Julie's Compliance Violation

By Julie Fox

To:

Village of Arlington Heights

Attn: Lt. Joseph Khrabot

February 2, 2000

Dear Lt. Khrabot,  

I received a warning ticket on last December 18 for having a nonfunctional headlight.

Officer Goerke pulled me over. I informed him that the headlight had gone out the previous night, that I had purchased a replacement that day, and was on the way to a friend's house at the time who was going to help me install it, as I did not know how. I showed Officer Goerke the headlight, which was with me at the time, and also showed him that I had purchased lights for turn signals and taillights as well, because my Jeep is notorious for having lights go out on cold winter days. 

Officer Goerke told me that I had until January 20 to come by the Arlington Heights Police Department and show them that the headlight was functional. I remember the date very clearly; because with as busy as one is in December, I remember thinking it was nice that I had a few weeks after the holidays were over to come by the police department. (I don't normally travel through Arlington Heights during office hours, so I would have to arrange work time to do this.)  

Last weekend I got an overdue notice from the Village of Arlington Heights. I was confused, because the due date was listed as 1/20/00, yet I got an overdue notice before that date. January 20 also happened to be the date Office Goerke told me I had until.

When I called the phone number on the notice I talked with a woman in the records department who informed me that the compliance date on the ticket was actually January 5, so I now owed a fine of $25.00, and there was no reason to bring the car by at this point.  

I am very frustrated by the whole handling of this, my points being:  

1. Why would I get a ticket for a headlight when I was carrying the replacement headlight with me? How much more intent can a person possibly show that they are going to take care of the problem?  

2. Why would Officer Goerke give me false information about the compliance date? Although I'm sure it makes no difference here, but I am so sure of what he told me (and my children heard it as well) that I would be willing to testify under oath that he said January 20. I didn't think I had to check his word against the ticket. (Obviously that was my mistake!) 

3. Why did the overdue notice happen to have the same due date as Officer Goerke gave me, but both did not agree with the ticket? There is obviously some confusion or record-keeping issues with the police department here, and the brunt of it fell on me. 

4. Isn't the role of the police to serve and protect? I understand fully the reason for stopping me when my headlight was out, but the whole situation sounds more like a way to make money for the police department than a means of establishing safety on our roads. 

I am paying the fine, but please note that it is under protest. Giving false information out and ticketing a person for something that they were obviously in the process of taking care of is not a way to serve the public. It only serves in giving police a negative image in the eyes of the public. 

Sincerely, Julia Fox

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Dear Ms. Fox:  

Lieutenant Chrabot received your letter regarding the Compliance Violation Citation issued to you by Officer Goerke on December 18, 1999 and brought your concerns to my attention. While researching the compliance date issue, it became evident our Records Section issued you the incorrect "Due Date" as well. I am confident that neither Officer Goerke or the Records Section intentionally provided you with incorrect information. However, you were still wronged by our mistakes.

In addition, you clearly demonstrated affirmative action towards correction of the equipment violation by purchasing the new headlamp, and informing the Officer you were seeking assistance in having it installed. I concur that your efforts deserved a little more consideration from the Officer. Consequently, I am refunding your $25 and extend my apologies for your inconvenience.  

Should you have any questions or further concerns, I may be contacted at (847) 368-5300 ext 5338.  

Sincerely,

Peter D. Kinsey, Commander

Patrol Bureau

Arlington Heights Police Department

(read letter)

Julie Fox is the Fox Valley Libertarian Party Chair.