A proposed bill in Michigan would rein in asset forfeiture abuse by prohibiting it unless there is a conviction:
“[T]he primary goal of asset forfeiture is “to deter and punish drug criminals by taking away the goods, property, and money obtained through illegal activity.” But… it can also serve as an ‘important supplement’ to police funding.
“…
“‘Police departments right now are looking for ways to generate revenue, and forfeiture is a way to offset the costs of doing business,’ Sgt. Dave Schreiner, who runs Canton Township’s forfeiture unit [said]… ‘You’ll find that departments are doing more forfeitures than they used to because they’ve got to — they’re running out of money and they’ve got to find it somewhere.'”
This is particularly pernicious since, in Michigan, property that is less than $50,000 can be taken “administratively” without any court involvement whatsoever.
So much for the increasingly proverbial “day in court”…
This is absolutely unconscionable. And since when are the PD’s supposed to be revenue-producers anyway? I thought they were a tax-supported agency of local government. NO branch or agency of government should be “in business” for financial gain. Otherwise let Don Corleone have the turf and be done with it. What this asset-forfeiture business is, is a racket plain and simple.
–J.
This CORRUPT incompetent crime syndicate posing as a Govt does not have my CONSENT to be governed…
Americas Public sector UNIONS have raped and pillaged America for decades. ENOUGH…
These very same Unionized Public Sector “workers” have created a 4 TRILLION dollar unfunded liability that will at some point be paid.
Who again is Americas gravest threat?