Marion police chief omits important figures and context when touting traffic cameras

Marion Police Chief Mike Kitsmiller promoted the theme of doom and gloom to advocate the installation of traffic cameras in Marion, principally to deter drivers who “run” red lights. However, initial data demonstrates most citations issued are for drivers who simply fail to come to a complete stop before turning right on red. No data has been presented concerning drivers who run a red light.

Because "rolling stops“ would rarely be cited by an officer, the Chief inappropriately claims time is saved when citations are issued via camera.

Conversely, the Chief conveniently omits time incurred by an officer to review alleged camera violations before a citation can be issued, as state law requires. When I previously asked the City of Cedar Rapids about its experience, I was advised an officer incurs a review average of one minute per video. Assuming the same for Marion, the 12,588 violations between Sept. 18 and Dec. 31 equates to 210 hours of review time. At 8 hours per day, that equals to 26 days!

The Chief may want to claim less camera review time incurred but, if so, is due process really being afforded to citizens?

Gary Hughes

Marion