By: Aubrey Brown | WCTV Eyewitness News

August 11, 2017

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- Terry L. Rhodes, the Executive Director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, sent a memo to the Florida Highway Patrol command staff Thursday saying, "Quotas are not part of our mission operationally or legally."

The Tampa Bay Times reported this week that Maj. Mark Welch of Troop H in Tallahassee had sent troopers under his command an email that said, "the patrol wants to see two citations each hour." Maj. Welch reportedly added that it was not a quota.

In the memo, Rhodes said, "Let me be very clear: Quotas have no place within the Florida Highway Patrol."

"It is more important than ever before that FHP be proactive in their efforts, but members should never be encouraged to meet specific citation numbers," she added.

Under the Statewide Overtime Action Response initiative, troopers can make extra money by working the road.

Rhodes said, "I am directing you to ensure that no quotas are being issued from our troops and that no performance metrics are impacted by a quota."

State figures show troopers wrote 934,965 citations in 2014 compared to 749,241 in 2017.

By: Associated Press

August 10, 2017

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- A top official with the Florida Highway Patrol has told troopers they aren't writing enough speeding tickets.

The Tampa Bay Times reports Maj. Mark Welch of Troop H in Tallahassee told troopers under his command via email that "the patrol wants to see two citations each hour" adding that it's not a quota. He said it's "what we are asking you to do to support this important initiative."

Under the SOAR -- Statewide Overtime Action Response -- initiative, troopers can make extra money by working the road.

Welch noted the 5 percent pay raise the Legislature and Gov. Rick Scott recently gave troopers, noting that it "has also increased your overtime rate."

State figures show troopers wrote 934,965 citations in 2014 compared to 749,241 last year.