[Editor’s Note: Prior to her latest red light camera ticketing in April, the Culver City resident who penned the letter below had been cited twice previously for red light camera violations, making her change of heart the more impressive. Originally, Judi Turner posted her letter on her Facebook page. However, she wanted Chief Scott Bixby to know of her dramatic conversion. With considerable help from Lt. Bill Browne, influential in her change of mind, Ms. Turner’s dynamic letter was posted on the Police Dept.’s Facebook page.]
Hi Friends,
I was really upset when I received four color photos of myself in the mail making an illegal right turn, and an invitation to watch myself on video.
I watched it.
I was even more upset when my friend told me that if I hadn’t looked at the video I wouldn’t have had to pay the fine because no one could prove that I had received the citation.
I was all the more upset when I remembered that a traffic school instructor had said that none of the money goes to the city. It all goes to the camera company.
So I wrote to the Chief of Police of Culver City, Scott Bixby.
I told him that I was bitter and why.
I never expected in 100 years to get a response. But he sent Lt. William Browne to my house to talk to me (I wasn’t at home).
His department wanted me to see and hear their side of the story so I would understand what was myth and what was law.
When I went to the police station, Lt. Browne showed me videos of myself. He explained why the violation I had
committed was dangerous to me and to others.
He showed me video tapes of many people whose traffic violations had caused many avoidable accidents. It is shocking to see traffic violators running into people, running into other cars….it’s kind of eye-opening.
I quickly became aware of why they needed these cameras, because there are not enough police to stand at all of the busy intersections all day.
He also cleared up the myth about the city not getting any of the money and all of it going to the camera company. He gave me a whole chart showing how all the funds are distributed. My ticket was $490 plus traffic school, etc. It came out to around $560.
Culver City gets about $150 and the rest is divided between California agencies.
Exact distribution of the funds is listed.
Unfortunately, I left the chart on Lt. Browne’s desk.
He pointed out that, contrary to what is stated on Google, if someone doesn’t pay the ticket now, it will stay on the person’s record.
Eventually, it will have to be paid.
Lt. Browne introduced me to the four members of the traffic camera department and let me take a photo for Facebook.
He mentioned that in a small city like Culver City, the Police Dept. has the opportunity to care about individual citizens like me who have a complaint.
I had a great time at the police station today.
I am not upset anymore.
