Editorial: What's behind fewer traffic tix?

The number of traffic tickets written by Nassau County cops has suddenly dipped about 20 percent after holding steady for several years, and officials say they've launched an intensive inquiry to find out why. In the first eight months of this year, 109,768 tickets were issued, compared with 140,278 over the same period in 2010. It could be that people are driving more safely, and it's possible that red-light cameras and tight policing have had that effect. Last winter's severe storms also may have contributed. But the timing, with the county seeking compensation concessions from the cops, is suspicious, and Acting Commissioner Thomas Krumpter has expressed "concern" that police are conducting a work slowdown. He needs to determine the truth quickly, then respond: Cops paid on a percentage of ticket receipts, perhaps? hN