Florida Highway Patrol troopers were recently told by a top official to write more speeding tickets.
In an internal memo, FHP Major Mark Welch told troopers under his command that "the patrol wants to see two citations each hour" during their shifts, adding that the directive was not a quota, according to WFOR-TV.
The major also urged his troopers to take part in the Statewide Overtime Action Response (SOAR) initiative, in which they can make extra money by working the road.
Quotas for law enforcement -- under Florida law -- are illegal.
"Let me be very clear: Quotas have no place within the Florida Highway Patrol. Getting in the black and tan to patrol the roadways is expected. Helping to educate and assist motorists is expected. Protecting lives is expected. Quotas are not part of our mission operationally or legally," Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Dir. Terry Rhodes said in a not to the FHP.
Highway patrol officials addressed the memo Thursday saying it addressed a volunteer overtime program meant to target aggressive drivers and claimed the commander was looking to motivate troopers and should have chosen his words more carefully.
