Well, this is different…

In Carmel, Indiana police have launched a program where ordinary citizens are issued radar guns to clock speeders.

Dubbed the Citizens Speed Monitoring Program, the effort has been underway for about a year. The citizens clock the speed, and if a violation is observed, they report back to police with the speed and vehicle information. Letters are then sent from police to the speeders warning them of the violation. No summonses are issued.

Apparently, similar programs have already been established in communities in California, Arizona, Wisconsin, and Georgia.

It’s a bit early to draw any firm conclusions about such programs without seeing statistics, problems encountered, and other relevant feedback, but definitely an interesting idea.

Of course, not everyone is thrilled with such a program.

“I think it is a little bit offensive,” said Indianapolis attorney Will Gooden, whose criminal practice includes defending clients fighting traffic citations. “I just have a general concern about extending the police power. It’s sort of a slope you start down. What will regular citizens do next for the police?”

I would say that I would have to agree! Ordinary citizens probably aren’t given proper training on the intricacies of operating radar guns and evaluating speeds visually and audibly. But, they aren’t issuing real tickets — just warnings. So, I guess it isn’t all that bad. But… What’s Next!