August 10, 2017
TO:

Colonel Gene Spaulding, FHP Director
Lt. Colonel Michael Thomas, FHP Acting Director
FHP Executive Staff
Troop Commanders

FROM: Terry L. Rhodes
DHSMV Executive Director
SUBJECT: Quotas are not permitted within the Florida Highway Patrol
FHP Command Staff,
DHSMV has a longstanding mission of highway safety to protect Florida residents and visitors on our roadways.
I am proud of the work of our Florida Highway Patrol troopers and the critical role that they play in ensuring
motorists Arrive Alive.
By now, I know you will have seen the media stories and press statements that have been released regarding
an email asking that two citations be written every hour while troopers work overtime enforcement duty.
Let me be very clear: Quotas have no place within the Florida Highway Patrol.
Getting in the black and tan to patrol the roadways is expected. Helping to educate and assist motorists is
expected. Protecting lives is expected. Quotas are not part of our mission operationally or legally.
It is more important than ever before that FHP be proactive in their efforts, but members should never be
encouraged to meet specific citation numbers. I am directing you to ensure that no quotas are being issued from
our troops and that no performance metrics are impacted by a quota.
Florida Highway Patrol troopers are the most elite law enforcement officers in the state and trained to address
dangerous violators using their discretion with the ultimate goal of saving lives. I value that discretion. Those we
serve expect and value that discretion.
From educating and providing guidance for new and inexperienced drivers to knocking on a loved one’s door at
all hours of the night having to deliver a next of kin notification, Florida Highway Patrol troopers are heroes. The
Florida Highway Patrol’s interactions with the public has a lasting positive impact on those we serve and our
members’ commitment to protecting lives is what will ultimately help us achieve our mission of highway safety
and security. I look forward to discussing this matter with you when you are in Tallahassee later this month.
Thank you for your dedication and service to our state.

Terry L. Rhodes
Executive Director
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles