[lbo-talk] is law enforcement a way to raise money for localeconomies?

[Carrol Cox]

Drunk driving is indeed a real menace (though I don't have figures on how
effective current enforcement/prevention methods are). Many other 'minor'
offenses could with great advantage be eliminated from the criminal code.
Traffic stops are _also_ used to cooperate with immigration authorities; if
the offender has no license & 'looks' suspicious he (usually he) will be
held and immigration authorities notified. This is _not_ required, only
_requested_ by INS. There's a fight going on over it locally at the present
time. The time cops waste on some offenses could be profitably spent on
controlling drunk driving. 

And I have sat in courtrooms & seen a lot of clearly depressed people sent
to jail for missing a court hearing. Sometimes it's clear even from just
reading the bare summaries in the daily paper. Michael has a point (aside
from the drunk driving, on which I agree with Ian.)  And requiring bail for
non-violent offenses is a crime in itself.

Carrol