A notoriously pro traffic camera newspaper in Arizona has done a 180 and actually investigated Redflex Traffic Systems operation in the city of El Mirage.

Emails between the police department, Judge Mapp and Mayor Mook paint a Mayberry-like scenario of law enforcement in El Mirage. And it appears that the part of Barney Fife was mostly played by the town’s Judge, James Mapp.

Here are a few of our favorite lies listed in the article, with El Mirage spin:

Lie #1

“It was one of those things that we just didn’t realize how big of a problem it was and how many people it affected,” Mapp said. “It could just be that we get busy and we forget to follow through on things.” -Judge James Mapp

Lie #2

“The photo radar has never been, in my estimation, something that the city instituted to make money.” -Mayor Lana Mook

Lie #3

Mapp said Friday that he was unaware of any outstanding refunds for red-light tickets until he was contacted by The Republic. He said the remaining refunds are being researched and likely will be paid within the next few weeks.

After making the news, just as predicted by the police chief after learning of the AZ Repub’s public record request, the last part about refunds being issued within the next few weeks may end up being true.

We’ll follow this story to its conclusion. The clock is ticking for El Mirage. They’d better have those refunds out by early April, or they’ll have some more explaining to do.

Source: http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2012/03/08/20120308el-mirage-traffic-cam-fines.html