GLYNN COUNTY, Ga. — More than 1,500 speeding tickets in Glynn County are being reviewed and drivers who were issued these tickets may not have to pay a fine, after an issue arose with a Glynn County police officer not being certified.
Righting wrongs on the roadways in Glynn County is at the top of Maria Lugue's mind. As solicitor general for Glynn County, Lugue was anticipating a high number of trials for speeders in the County this year.
So on September 11, the Solicitor's Office requested the audit from the Glynn County Police Department on certifications of officers and certifications for the RADAR and LIDAR machines, the equipment used to determine the speed of a vehicle.
In the audit, the office found one officer was not fully certified. The officer completed his training but didn't submit the necessary paperwork for certification.
Which now leaves the Solicitor's Office to review between 1,500-1,700 speeding tickets given by this officer in the last few years.
"It is going to be a little bit daunting but we’re up to the task we’re going to do the right thing," said Lugue.
“If there’s an error, we’re going to correct it and do things the right way," she said.
The County Clerk's Office will be responsible for refunding drivers who paid their tickets and sending them a letter informing them their case is dismissed.
Lugue expects the process to move swiftly, but it may take time for speeding tickets with other charges.
"The speeding tickets we should be able to move rather quickly on, but investigating the other charges could slow us down a little bit," she said, "If there’s a DUI case, but the original reason for the stop is a speeding ticket we have to let go of those other accompanying charges as well."
Glynn County Police Chief Scott Ebner and his staff is working with the Solicitor's Office to address the situation. Chief Ebner is conducting an internal affairs investigation to determine if any misconduct occurred.
Chief Ebner also directed an audit of each GCPD officer's RADAR and LIDAR certifications and ordered the removal of RADAR or LIDAR equipment from patrol vehicles or uncertified officers.
"Officers and myself are all held at the same standard so we have to follow through with what requirements are for our positions," Lugue said. "Even though someone may have violated the law we have to do what we’re supposed to do legally and that is to make the adjustments as required."
GCPD will be implementing safeguards such as updated inspections including various certifications to prevent issues like this in the future.
According to the Solicitor General, her office is expecting to have their process complete by December 31st.
Back in 2022, Glynn County threw out over 200 traffic citations after speed detection devices weren't properly certified and calibrated.