After 9/11 the police were given the power to search any "suspicious" people for drugs and stuff. They were encouraged to act more aggressively and the department of Homeland Security spent millions on training. This effort did help confiscate illegal drugs, contraband... and money. However, officers have exploited this power to get what they want. People had to fight the act legally, and that could last for more than a year, to get their money back. Click here* (Strong language) for some examples. The Washington Post did an investigation to find the extent of the unethical seizures. They found that highway officers have confiscated over four billion dollars on highways since 9/11. By law they are allowed to keep this money. Click here for all of the post's findings. The police use this money to get equipment used to help the force.
I think that this could be useful, but there have been reports of police using the money to buy a margarita machine. That is ridiculous. If the officers are taking the money for purposes like that I think that this law is unconstitutional. Overall I think that IF the money is taken for a just cause and if it is used to help the police function then it has a place in society. However because of these negative reports, I don't think that the police should have this power. I would be willing to pay more taxes to help the police force but this is terrible. Whats next? will the police start taking control of our houses? Oh... wait...
I honestly think it depends on the officer, and the citizen involved in the situations. You have dishonest people working every job, and you have honest people working every job. Some officers have to do the unpleasant simply because it is their duty, while other officers exploit their powers. There again, some citizens will exaggerate the situation to get attention, money, etc. People are corrupt, no matter where they are positioned in our society.
ReplyDeleteYou pretty much nailed it Allie. There is always going to be honest and corrupt people wherever they may be.
DeleteCops have been given a lot of crap lately for being too rough. I sometimes agree. There really is no need for violence in situations but it seems to be the first thing they are taught to use. Quit being a bunch of tools in that way. Really, unless a dude swings, shoots or tries to harm you in some way...there is no need for violence. However, if someone does shoot at you, blow that sucker half to hell! There is a time and place for it!
ReplyDeleteI still dont think, whether its for a just cause or not, that this should be allowed or tolerated. What defines a "just cause"? One may believe the fight against drugs is a just cause. One may think killing 6 million jews is for a just cause. The argument here is not "is their cause just?" or "are they using that money well?" but rather "do they have enough evidence?". And in many cases around the country, the answer to the latter is no. They dont need sufficient evidence to seize your possessions. It is unconstitutional.
ReplyDeleteI don't think that it is right that cops should be able to search people if they look suspicious. It means that they could search just about anyone because we all do something wrong. I can see why they should be allowed too, other wise it would be too easy for criminals to get away.
ReplyDelete-Alan Kitchen