2nd police chief resigns in Fla. speed trap town

Waldo is one of only two U.S. towns officially labeled “traffic traps” by AAA

September 12, 2014 04:31 AM

In this Aug. 29, 2014 photo, drivers enter the town of Waldo, Fla., where motorists can encounter many different speed limits in a roughly two-mile drive. The AAA auto club named the tiny town between Jacksonville and Gainesville one of only two “traffic traps” nationwide. The other town is nearby Lawtey. Now Waldo is facing a scandal over its traffic tickets.

Associated Press

WALDO, Fla. — A second police chief has resigned in a north Florida town known as a speed trap.

The Gainesville Sun reports that Waldo police Cpl. Kenneth Smith resigned Wednesday, just days after former Chief Mike Szabo resigned.

Waldo is one of only two U.S. towns officially labeled “traffic traps” by AAA. It is currently being policed with help from the county sheriff’s office.

The resignations come after two Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigations were launched following allegations of ticket quotas, mishandling of evidence and other issues.

Smith became interim chief in August after Szabo was suspended following the first inquiry. Smith was suspended in advance of the second investigation.

City Manager Kim Worley has said the quota was only in place to keep officers productive.