HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – After receiving input from the community suggesting that the Hopkinsville Police Department was excessively initiating traffic stops for window tinting, Police Chief Jason Newby brought up the issue at the city council meeting. “The officers are not targeting vehicles just for tint,” began Newby Tuesday night.

Due to a recent grant, HPD has increased their focus on traffic enforcement and highway safety, which has resulted in more traffic patrols in Hopkinsville, according to Newby. He added that in most cases, traffic stops are not being initiated due to window tinting and it is rarely the sole citation or charge given. Often drivers are pulled over due to a different traffic violation.

“Also, they are not targeting vehicles that are just barely at the minimum, 35%, 30%, 25% and even 20%. They are writing citations ranging anywhere between 1% tint to 5% to 10%,” said Newby.

Citations and HPD patrol vehicles

A look back at HPD reports only from first weekend of August reveals three citations written over the span of three days for excessive tint. In these instances, officer notes reveal that two of the vehicles were pulled over for noticeable window tint, while one was pulled over for an unrelated traffic violation. In all three cases, additional citations or charges were given on top of the tinting.

Newby clarified that out of the 2,500 citations written for this year, only about 100 of them are for excessive window tinting. He also mentioned that the rise in popularity of mirrored tinting on front windshields puts drivers and pedestrians at risk, since there are significant visibility issues at night.

Councilmembers also brought up citizen complaints about the tinting on HPD patrol vehicles. Newby informed the council that the tinting is in place for safety and security reasons saying, “That little bit of extra tint helps protect our K9’s, it helps protect the equipment, and it’s an officer safety issue. It helps protect the identity of officers that may be targeted.”

While HPD is aware of citizens frustrations, Newby said he has not been directly approached with complaints. He encourages people with issues to contact their council representative or the police department.

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