This article is part of a series in the Greenville News, Greenville SC, that delves into the techniques and consequences of asset forfeiture in that area.
Asset forfeiture is what occurs when law enforcement ostensibly confiscates assets, cash, automobiles, real estate, etc. that are the fruits of crime. However, no crime needs to be charged and it's very unlikely that the individual that forfeits the asset will ever see it returned. The funds realized by the agency that confiscates the asset become part of its budget. A police department that grabs that cash can use it to purchase whatever it wishes.
German Brandenburger Bernd Heinrich Wilhelm von Kleist wrote a historical novella, Michael Kohlhaas, in 1810 that describes a famous incident in 15th century Germany where a powerful baron confiscates two of a passing trader's horses and the trader's reaction to this crime results in extensive rebellion.
In the Twin City metropolitan area, a co-operative effort between various police departments called the Metro Gang Strike Force was found to have grabbed cash and property for their own personal use. While the investigation resulted in the disbanding of the agency and cash awards to the victims, no law enforcement officers involved were fired, censured or charged.
Of course, all Americans are familiar with some of the reasons for the American Revolution, much of which involved disgust with the United Kingdom's financial depradations. The fact that the established government is the predator doesn't necessarily remove it from the consequences of its behavior. In fact, in a country that is supposedly the land of the free and the home of the brave, the citizens are duty-bound to oppose such policies. It might be time for all presidential candidates to express their opinion on asset forfeiture.
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