There needs to be a investigation of the dirty camera industry!
“Salesmen, that’s what they were,” Long said. “They didn’t show me how many kids were hit at cross walks. They didn’t tell me how they were going to reduce things. Their exact words were, ‘Sheriff, if you let us put these cameras up in your school zones, we’ll guarantee you between $1 and $ 2 million in revenue a year you can spend on your equipment.’”
Summary of Georgia Senate School Zone Speed Camera Debate
Quick Overview
The Georgia Senate subcommittee is currently deliberating two competing bills regarding the use of automated speed detection cameras in school zones. The discussions highlight a significant divide between advocates for public safety and critics who argue that these cameras primarily serve as revenue-generating tools for local governments.
Key Points
- Competing Legislation: Two bills are under consideration: House Bill 225, which seeks to eliminate speed cameras entirely, and House Bill 651, which aims to impose stricter regulations on their use.
- Revenue Generation Concerns: Critics assert that speed cameras are exploited for financial gain rather than safety, with substantial revenue generated since their implementation.
- Safety Statistics: Proponents of the cameras argue that they have effectively reduced speeding violations and enhanced safety for children in school zones.
- Public Sentiment: There is a growing concern among lawmakers and community members about the ethical implications of using cameras for profit and the privacy issues surrounding data collection.
- Future Deliberations: The subcommittee plans to continue discussions before making recommendations for a full Senate vote.
Detailed Breakdown
Competing Bills
- House Bill 225: Sponsored by Rep. Dale Washburn, this bill proposes the repeal of the 2018 law that authorized speed cameras in school zones across Georgia. It has already passed in the House, reflecting a significant push against automated enforcement.
- House Bill 651: Sponsored by Rep. Alan Powell, this bill seeks to regulate the use of speed cameras more strictly. It suggests limiting enforcement to specific school hours, requiring clearer signage about speed limits, and ensuring that revenue from fines supports school safety initiatives and law enforcement.
Revenue Generation Concerns
The debate centers around the financial implications of speed cameras. Critics, including Butts County Sheriff Gary Long, argue that the cameras have become a “taxation through citation” scheme, generating over $112 million in revenue since 2019 for 54 municipalities. Long recounted a conversation with camera sales representatives, who emphasized the potential financial benefits rather than safety improvements, stating, “If you let us put these cameras up in your school zones, we’ll guarantee you between $1 and $2 million in revenue a year.”
Safety Statistics
Supporters of the automated cameras, including Norcross Police Chief Bill Grogan, highlight their effectiveness in reducing speeding. Grogan reported an 80% decrease in speeding violations since 2020, dropping from about 600 to 125 violations daily. This statistic underscores the argument that the cameras fulfill their intended purpose of enhancing student safety.
Public Sentiment and Privacy Issues
Concerns about the ethical implications of speed cameras extend beyond revenue. Community leaders, such as Spalding County Commissioner James Dutton, have raised alarms over privacy issues, suggesting that camera companies collect extensive personal data from drivers. Dutton stated, “They get your address; they get your name; they get your tax history,” advocating that the legislative intent appears to prioritize profit over public safety.
Future Deliberations
The subcommittee is expected to continue its discussions, weighing the arguments from both sides before making recommendations for a full Senate vote. The outcome of this debate could significantly impact the future of automated speed enforcement in Georgia.
Notable Quotes & Data
- “If you let us put these cameras up in your school zones, we’ll guarantee you between $1 and $2 million in revenue a year.” – Butts County Sheriff Gary Long
- “We’ve accomplished our mission of lower speeds.” – Norcross Police Chief Bill Grogan
- “The legislative intent is clearly money. It’s clearly policing for profit.” – James Dutton, Spalding County Commissioner
Context & Implications
The outcome of the Georgia Senate’s deliberations on speed cameras in school zones will have far-reaching implications for public safety, local government revenue, and the ethical use of technology in law enforcement. As communities grapple with balancing safety and financial interests, the debate reflects broader national conversations about the role of automated enforcement in policing practices.