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COOK COUNTY RECORD

Thursday, November 7, 2024

Retired Attorney Alleges Red Light Camera System in Skokie Is Rigged

Federal Court
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A retired attorney is challenging the integrity of red light cameras in Skokie, Illinois, alleging that the system is rigged to generate revenue rather than promote public safety. Ronald Teeple filed a complaint on June 26, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against the Village of Skokie.

On March 11, 2024, Teeple received a ticket for allegedly violating a no-right-turn-on-red signal captured by a red light camera at Howard Street and McCormick Blvd. Contesting the ticket in person, Teeple argued under oath that he began his turn when the light was yellow. However, the hearing officer ruled against him based solely on photographic evidence from the red light camera. When asked who maintained these cameras, the hearing officer mistakenly said it was the State of Illinois.

Teeple's complaint highlights several issues with Skokie's red light camera system. He asserts that there was no proof presented at his hearing to confirm that the cameras are routinely checked for accuracy. He also points out that both Skokie and its vendor financially benefit from fines collected through these cameras, creating a potential conflict of interest. "Relying on employees of the City and its vendor for this task is like putting a fox in charge of the hen house," Teeple argues.

The plaintiff cites a 2018 Chicago Tribune report revealing that Skokie has one of the highest approval rates for red light camera tickets among Chicago suburbs, generating over $2.5 million annually from such fines. The report also noted that some officers took an average of just seven seconds to approve tickets after reviewing video footage.

Teeple contends that various factors like weather conditions and construction can cause discrepancies between actual traffic signals and what red light cameras capture. He claims no evidence was provided at his hearing to prove that the subject camera had been checked for accuracy. Moreover, he references an analysis by The Tribune which found deviations in Chicago’s network of red light cameras due to faulty equipment or human tampering.

The complaint also raises concerns about due process violations. According to Teeple, Skokie's procedures do not ensure an unbiased tribunal since hearing officers are appointed by the Mayor and compensated by ordinance—potentially incentivizing them to rule in favor of the village to maintain revenue streams.

In terms of relief sought, Teeple requests that:
1. The Hearing Officer’s conclusion finding him guilty be reversed.
2. An independent Hearing Officer be appointed for future red light camera ticket matters.
3. The Village implement a program requiring weekly inspections by qualified independent inspectors to ensure proper functioning of their red light cameras.
4. He be awarded $50,000 or another amount deemed appropriate by the court for bringing and researching this case.

Representing himself pro se, Ronald Teeple has brought this matter before Magistrate Judge Sheila M. Finnegan under Case ID 1:24-cv-05332.

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