I'd like to explain a little about an apparent lack of knowledge regarding traffic enforcement as stated in the Feb.12 Letters section of the Acorn ("Are police officers writing tickets to raise city revenue?")

First, there's a division of labor within each police department. Officers on motorcycles are obviously deployed to enforce trafficrelated laws, which is important for the safety of citizens. On average, more property damage, injuries and loss of life are due to traffic accidents than all other crimes put together.

The why and where traffic laws are enforced is in direct correlation with traffic accidents and citizen complaints of alleged violations at those locations.

A simple pin map of the city will show where and when the officers should deploy for enforcement. This is just a guess, but the area mentioned- - Thousand Oaks Boulevard near the Civic Arts Plaza around noon- - tells me the traffic is probably heaviest in the city at that hour.

There are many driveways with cars entering the roadway. Many pedestrians crossing a large street. Add speed to the mix, and you have a need for enforcement.

Do you wonder where they might be in the early-morning and late-afternoon hours? Lynn Road ring a bell?

Second, it depends on what a person is cited for that decides where the money goes. Most cities get more money when city laws are violated. Vehicle code violations are mostly spread to a variety of places within the state. Schools get a bit for supplies.

Third and last, traffic enforcement is a proven tactic to reduce crime in a given area. The bad guys see all those blinking lights and depart for other towns with fewer patrol officers.

The mere fact the deputies were making so many stops is a good indication there was a need for them to be there.

A traffic citation is a educational tool.

So if you don't want to buy a ticket to the Policeman's Ball, you'd better keep your mind on driving safely. Roger Jackson Thousand Oaks