At a time when the public is becoming
more aware and informed of law enforcement related abuse, some have begun to
take note of one of the most common, and most profitable, forms of abuse: civil
asset forfeitures.
In the aftermath
of the September 11 attacks, the federal government encouraged state and
local police departments to play a more active role in searching for both
suspicious people and suspicious activity. This encouragement, reinforced with
millions of dollars on training and education, has resulted in an environment in
which police officers routinely confiscate money and property from individuals
who have not been, nor are, accused of a crime. The government need only show
by preponderance of the evidence that the property was being used for illegal
purposes.
