The Great Bend Police Department is working on ways to improve both the officer and public safety in traffic enforcement.

A strong effort has been placed on the monitoring of window tinting. The police department used to have two tinting meters they could use to determine the percentage of light going through.

As Lieutenant Bill Browne tells us, the old meters caused a safety issue and needed to be replaced.

Bill Browne Audio

The city code says the total light transmission shall not be less than 35% when a sun screening device is used. The problem is that anyone can buy cheap window tinting kits at Wal-Mart and other retail stores that go well below the 35% mark.

Sergeant Jay Bacher states the issue goes well beyond a safety concern.

Jay Bacher Audio

Tinting can be hazardous to the driver too. Every driver needs to be able to clearly see cross traffic, pedestrians, bicyclists, or anything that may suddenly dart into the street.

Great Bend Police Officers will allow the public who might be in violation to bring their vehicles in this week during regular business hours for a free tinting screening. During this screening, officers will test and educate those concerned, no tickets will be given if the screening fails. However, full enforcement of window tint monitoring will begin next week.

Fines up to $500 and a month in jail can be handed down for improperly tinted windows.