Recommendations

Limit Pedestrian Stops

Pedestrian stops, which allow officers to temporarily detain, question, and search a person once constitutional thresholds have been reached, should be limited to those with a clear public safety impact. Although they have been associated with reduced violent crime and increased firearm recovery, overreliance is not only likely to harm police-community relationships, including the public’s…

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Implement Strategies to Reduce Non-Payment of Fines and Fees

Evidenced-based strategies should be adopted to increase compliance with court orders and reduce the need for fines, fees, and other sanctions. Small behavioral nudges, such as text-message reminders, can reduce non-compliance with court orders and warrant-amnesty events can help people address outstanding warrants for low-level offenses.

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Reduce the Harm of Fines and Fees

The impact of fines and fees should be reduced using evidence-based strategies to determine individuals’ ability to pay, flexible payment plans, fine-to-work conversions, education and workforce development, and substance and alcohol counseling in place of monetary sanctions.

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Do Not Use Law Enforcement to Serve Warrants for Unpaid Fines and Fees

Warrants for non-criminal matters, including unpaid fines and fees or failure to appear at traffic hearings, should not be served by officers. This practice adds to community tension and mistrust, particularly among people with the least means to pay and the most to lose.

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Decouple Law Enforcement Agency Budgets from Fines

Law enforcement agency budgets should never be tied to revenue generated through law enforcement activity. When a law enforcement agency derives a substantial portion of its operating budget from fines associated with traffic stops and other minor violations, it can encourage policing practices focused on generating revenue rather than enhancing public safety and forming positive…

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​Do Not Use Law Enforcement to Collect Fines and Fees

Law enforcement officers should not be assigned to collect fines and fees imposed by statutes and implemented by the criminal justice system. The current practice has a disparate impact on the economically disadvantaged and racial and ethnic minorities, threatens police-community relationships, and undermines more public safety goals.

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