Metrics, Numbers, Awards, and Definitions

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On this post, the question came up of whether something constituted a "quota." 

Specifically, the statement was: 
"Maybe not quotas as such, but that plaque for Most DUI arrests looks good for promotions."


First - Definitions
So, let's define quota, and see if the "shoe fits." 

"a fixed limit on the amount of something that someone is allowed to have or is expected to do."

Let's rewrite here for clarity: "a fixed limit on the amount of something that someone is expected to do." 


Second - The phrase itself
"...that plaque for most DUI arrests looks good for promotions." 

Is "performing an activity for the purpose of a promotion" the same as an "amount of something that someone is expected to do?"

This author says "yes." 


Third - The Law itself. 
Tennessee Code annotated on the legality of police quotas:
(a) A political subdivision or any agency of this state may not establish or maintain, formally or informally, a plan to evaluate, promote, compensate, or discipline a law enforcement officer solely by the issuance of a predetermined or specified number of any type or combination of types of traffic citations.

(b) A political subdivision or any agency of this state may not require or suggest to a law enforcement officer that the law enforcement officer is required or expected to issue a predetermined or specified number of any type or combination of types of traffic citations within a specified period.

(c) Nothing in this section shall prohibit a municipal corporation, a political subdivision or any agency of this state, from establishing performance standards for law enforcement officers that include issuance of traffic citations, but do not require issuance of a predetermined or specified number or any type or combination of types of citations as the sole means of meeting such performance standards.

(d) As used in this section:

(1) "Conviction" means the rendition of an order by a court imposing a punishment of incarceration or a fine; and

(2) "Traffic offense" means an offense under title 55.


Summary - Does this count?
In letter - clearly, YES! This is a quota.
In Tennessee Law: By the letter, perhaps not directly. 
In spirit, let's consult AI for an answer:

"When a department hands out plaques for “Most DUI arrests,” that is prima facie quota language. It doesn’t matter what label you slap on it. If an officer’s promotions and career advancement hinge on generating a certain number of arrests, even when that is not a specified number but just 'more than another officer,' that’s a quota. Full stop. The public knows it, the officers know it, and the brass knows it. Dressing it up as “recognition” doesn’t change the fact — it’s a quota in practice, and in spirit."


Police recoil at the term "quota." 
They are also trained to lie. 

I am perfectly fine with having a quota, and use of the word to mean "expectation." 
So this clearly means quota to me. 
And I will never lie to you nor deceive you unless we are in active combat against one another. 

What say you? 


Oh, and lost in all this shuffle? Not one of us thought for a moment that the premise statement, "that plaque for Most DUI arrests looks good for promotions" is untrue. 







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