A common misconception about tickets and fines issued law enforcement is they are doing so because there is a quota that must be met. And it is assumed the money collected will be used for the police force. The reality is the money collected isn't used for law enforcement--or even Fort Knox.
The money collected from traffic tickets such as speeding or using a cellphone while driving without using a hand-free device, fines from driving with a suspended license and failure to maintain insurance or driving under the influence are monies that go to the Crime Victims Fund, which was established by the Victims of Crime Act of 1984, said Lt. Jacob Terrell, a Department of the Army civilian police officer and Fort Knox traffic accident investigation supervisor.
When driving on post, many might also believe the cost of an infraction is higher than when driving off post. Terrell said that isn't true because traffic offense collaterals on post are far cheaper than citations received off the installation.
"The fines for each offense are very similar but the court cost off the installation is considerably higher," Terrell said. "Our court cost is $25. Court cost off the installation start at $143. Each offense has a maximum and minimum fine in accordance with Kentucky Revised Statute."
Terrell pointed out that the $25 federal magistrate court processing fee is the only money that doesn't go into the fund.
He said the fund is also used for witness and victim advocates.
According to www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/, VOCA is a major funding source for services to victims of federal crimes throughout the nation. Millions of dollars have been deposited into the fund annually from criminal fines, forfeited bail bonds, penalties and special assessments collected by U.S. Attorneys' Offices, federal U.S. courts and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Fund dollars have always come from offenders convicted of federal crimes, not from taxpayers. The site also said more than 4,000 VOCA awards are made by states annually to public and private nonprofit organizations to provide these and other essential services.
As of September 2013, the balance in the fund had reached $ 9 billion.
"Once an individual receives a citation they have options--pay or go to court--unless it's mandatory court," explained Terrell. "The money is mailed directly the Central Violations Bureau in Philadelphia if the individual chooses to pay the fine instead of appearing in court."
Additionally, when the fund was authorized in 1984, a cap was placed on how much money could be deposited into it for the first eight years, he said.
Periodically Congress places different caps on it.
Fiscal year 2012 was a record breaking year for deposits, with $2.79 billion going into the fund. In keeping with VOCA's mandated allocation process, $359 million in formula grants was channeled from the fund to states and territories for victim compensation in FY 2011 and 2012, while more than $807 million was provided for victim assistance, according to www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/.
Stephanie Collins, the public affairs officer for the U.S. Attorney's Office/Western District Kentucky, explained how the money is used for victims of a federal crime by funding services that respond to immediate needs including crisis intervention, emergency food and clothing. It also finances emergency legal assistance such as filing restraining orders, emergency shelter or temporary lodging.
"For example, the FCVAF may be used to pay for lodging for a domestic violence victim," said Collins. "The necessary and cost effective transportation and per diem expenses that enable a victim to receive emergency crisis intervention or emergency medical services …services that assist the victim in participating in judicial proceedings. Funds may pay mileage costs to allow a homicide victim's immediate family members to attend sentencing of a defendant."
Shannon Wilson, the Fort Knox Army Community Service financial readiness program manager, said assistance is available in Kentucky for those who are victims of a federal crime. Although ACS doesn't directly receive money from the victim's fund, Wilson said the family advocacy victim advocate would assist by referring victims to the proper agency. These agencies will provide them with assistance or compensation.
"We refer the client to the resources that would best fit their needs," explained Wilson. "We keep a host of agency resources available. It could be nonprofit, local or state."
For those in Kentucky who have been a victim of a federal crime, contact OVC victim assistance for Kentucky by calling (502) 564-3251 or visit their website at http://justice.ky.gov.
There is also crime victim compensation benefits, including reimbursement for medical services, mental health counseling, lost wages and other costs incurred as a result of the crime, according to the Office of Victims of Crimes.
For those who are eligible for this type of compensation, contact OVC victim compensation for Kentucky by calling (800) 469-2120 or visit their website at www.cvcb.ky.gov.
To locate additional services in the area, visit OVC's online directory of crime victim services.
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