Deputies keeping score on DUI arrests in McHenry County.

Sheriffs deputies are commended for the most DUI arrests in McHenry county. On the surface, it certainly seems like a positive idea if the officers are simply vigorously and diligently enforcing the law. But it poses a number of interesting questions:

1. Are the arrests of the same quality? Do the people arrested get convicted at the same rates as those by officers who aren’t putting in these kinds of numbers? It it possible that these officers are simply arresting everyone, but maybe their arrests are only convicted at a 25% rate, whereas the overall rate is 75&. Those numbers are completely made up, but it would be interesting to know if many of these arrests are on weak evidence.
2. Are there financial incentives involved? Certainly the fees and fines collected are good for the state. Does the bonus money trickle down to the officers in the form of promotions, additional overtime, or more direct payments?

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