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Questions raised about NC work zone enforcement

Submitted by WWAY on Mon, 07/14/2008 - 11:30am.READ MORE:
RALEIGH -- There are questions about some of the North Carolina Highway Patrol's efforts to enforce construction work zones laws. The News & Observer of Raleigh reported Monday the Federal Highway Administration provided more than $1.6 million for special patrols in work zones. But the newspaper says some troopers listed work zone enforcement as part of their duty as they drove through zones on the way to and from work. Doug Hecox with the federal agency says it expects more than what officers do as part of their regular duties. The newspaper says it found a surge in 15-minute construction zone patrols after a major sent an e-mail last year telling troopers to record all time spent in or traveling through a work zone. Maj. Gregory Hayes says he didn't mean for troopers to count the time driving through a zone. Information from: The News & Observer, http://www.newsobserver.com (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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Who expects what?

Submitted by Commonsensenotc... on Tue, 07/15/2008 - 6:56am.
"Doug Hecox with the federal agency says it expects...." Dear Mister Hecox - highway traffic enforcement is solely within the scope of responsibilities of the state. Nothing in the Interstate Commerce clause of the Constitution usurps the management of state or local law enforcement on interstate highways. Now, I fully understand that you think returning the money WE paid in federal gasoline taxes to us somehow allows you to dictate patrol procedures, but if I were you I'd just stick to being that small fish in a big pond and leave us alone to patrol as we deem necessary. WE expect YOU to respect the Tenth Amendment.
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NC SHP failures are the reason for this intervention

Submitted by FirstResponder (not verified) on Tue, 07/15/2008 - 12:43pm.
The NC Highway Patrol needs to worry more about doing their job rather than harassing citizens, having their troopers assault family members, having their troopers drive drunk, and any number of other scandals that have plagued the organization over the past few months. I work in emergency services and we have a very tight relationship with local and county law enforcement, yet it is routine that SHP troopers disrespect our efforts, often causing safety issues on scene as they prioritize opening traffic over the life safety of injured persons. Unfortunately inflated ego seems to be the main prerequisite for getting a job as an NC SHP trooper.
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