COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio has taken a significant step to reform law enforcement practices with the passage of Senate Bill 114, a new law that prohibits the use of ticket and arrest quotas by law enforcement agencies across the state. Signed into law by the General Assembly, the legislation, codified as section 109.70 of the Ohio Revised Code, aims to eliminate the controversial practice of mandating officers to meet specific numerical targets for arrests or citations within a set timeframe.
What Are Ticket Quotas?
Ticket quotas refer to mandates requiring law enforcement officers to issue a predetermined number of citations or make a specific number of arrests within a given period, such as a week or month. These quotas are often used as performance metrics to evaluate, promote, compensate, or discipline officers. Historically, quotas have been criticized for incentivizing unnecessary or unjustified enforcement actions, eroding public trust, and prioritizing quantity over quality in policing.
The practice of ticket quotas has roots in the early 20th century when some police departments used them to ensure productivity or generate municipal revenue through fines. Over time, quotas became a point of contention, with officers and advocacy groups arguing they pressured police to issue citations or make arrests for minor infractions, sometimes targeting marginalized communities disproportionately. Verbal or written directives from supervisors, such as memos or informal expectations, have been reported as common methods to enforce these quotas, though some agencies deny their use, citing informal “expectations” instead.
Senate Bill 114: Key Provisions
Senate Bill 114, enacted by the Ohio General Assembly, explicitly bans the use of quotas by law enforcement officials and agencies. The law defines a “quota” as “a mandate of a finite number of arrests made or citations issued for any offense that a local or state police officer must meet in a specified time period.” It applies to a wide range of law enforcement entities, including county sheriffs, village marshals, municipal and township police departments, township constables, joint police districts, and the state highway patrol.
The new law prohibits agencies from:
- Establishing or maintaining formal or informal plans that use quotas to evaluate, promote, compensate, transfer, or discipline officers.
- Requiring or suggesting that officers meet quotas.
- Offering financial rewards or other benefits based on meeting quotas.
However, the law allows agencies to collect and analyze data on arrests and citations to ensure officers comply with legal obligations or to assess enforcement patterns, provided these actions do not involve quotas.
Enforcement and Oversight
To ensure compliance, Senate Bill 114 mandates that the Ohio Attorney General create an online form accessible on their website, allowing officers to report quota violations anonymously or otherwise. Upon receiving a report, the Attorney General is required to investigate within one year, providing the accused agency an opportunity to respond. If a violation is confirmed, the Attorney General will issue a cease-and-desist order to halt the use of quotas.
Impact and Significance
The passage of Senate Bill 114 marks a shift in Ohio’s approach to law enforcement accountability. Critics of quotas argue that the practice can lead to over-policing, strained community relations, and a focus on minor violations at the expense of addressing serious crimes. Supporters of the law believe it will encourage officers to exercise discretion based on the merits of each situation rather than pressure to meet arbitrary goals.
Historical Context and Public Response
Ticket quotas have long been a contentious issue nationwide, with several states, including California, New York, and Illinois, enacting similar bans in recent years. In Ohio, reports of quotas have surfaced periodically, often through whistleblower accounts or media investigations, though some agencies have denied their existence, claiming performance metrics are mischaracterized.
Looking Ahead
As Senate Bill 114 takes effect, Ohio law enforcement agencies will need to adapt their performance evaluation systems to comply with the new standards. The Attorney General’s office is expected to roll out the reporting form soon, providing a tool for oversight.
The bill was signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine on Tuesday.