New Jersey government watchdog releases revealing videos about traffic ticket avoidance cards.
The use of police courtesy cards, also known as gold cards or family cards, has long been a common practice among law enforcement officers and their unions. These credit-card-sized documents are distributed to a select few individuals and are often used by drivers to seek leniency when stopped for traffic violations. A recent report by a New Jersey government watchdog has shed light on the widespread use and influence of these cards.
The report, based on an analysis of 50 hours of body-worn camera footage from traffic stops made by New Jersey State Police troopers in December 2022, revealed a “two-tiered system of justice” in which individuals with law enforcement connections received preferential treatment compared to those without such connections. The study, conducted by Kevin Walsh, New Jersey’s acting comptroller, highlighted instances where drivers expected special treatment after presenting their courtesy cards.
According to the investigation, over a quarter of the 501 motorists who were let go without receiving tickets after being pulled over by a State Police trooper during a 10-day period either presented a courtesy card or mentioned knowing someone in law enforcement. This disparity in treatment based on the possession of a courtesy card reflects a broader issue of unequal justice in traffic enforcement.
While the use of police courtesy cards is not unique to New Jersey, they are prevalent in many states, including New York. In a recent case in New York, a New York Police Department officer received a $175,000 legal settlement after alleging that he was reprimanded for refusing to offer leniency to a driver who presented a courtesy card.
The report’s findings have brought attention to the pervasive influence of police courtesy cards and the implications of their use in traffic stops. The practice raises concerns about fairness and accountability in law enforcement interactions and calls for greater transparency and oversight to address potential abuses of power associated with these cards.
As discussions continue about the role of police courtesy cards in shaping interactions between law enforcement officers and the public, there is a growing recognition of the need to address systemic issues of bias and favoritism in traffic enforcement. By raising awareness of these issues and advocating for reforms to promote equal treatment under the law, stakeholders can work towards creating a more just and equitable system of justice for all individuals.
Source: The NY Times
