Georgia Police Chief Reprimanded Over Attempted Traffic Citation Swap

Body camera footage captured the chief trying to get a driver a warning instead of a citation in exchange for free oil changes.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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A Georgia police department changed its policy regarding traffic citations after a body camera captured conduct by the police chief that city leaders called 'unacceptable.' The chief was formally reprimanded after the footage showed him trying to get a driver a warning instead of a citation in exchange for free oil changes.

Why it matters

This incident raises concerns about abuse of power and unethical conduct within the police department, undermining public trust in law enforcement. The policy change aims to prevent similar incidents and ensure fair and impartial enforcement of traffic laws.

The details

In October 2025, body camera footage captured Police Chief Steven Bannister attempting to get a driver a warning instead of a citation in exchange for free oil changes. Following the incident, the department changed its policy regarding traffic citations.

  • The incident occurred in October 2025.
  • About two months later, in December 2025, Chief Bannister was formally reprimanded.

The players

Steven Bannister

The police chief who was formally reprimanded after body camera footage captured him trying to get a driver a warning instead of a citation in exchange for free oil changes.

Atlanta News First Investigates

The news organization that obtained the records and reported on the incident.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The department has implemented a new policy to prevent similar incidents and ensure fair and impartial enforcement of traffic laws.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of police accountability and the need for strict ethical standards within law enforcement to maintain public trust. The policy change is a step towards addressing the issue and preventing future abuses of power.