5 ms·

>The best way to reduce crime is to change its definition. Problem is, that's also the best way to increase crime when your budget depends on it.

• mhd 7y ago
  Does NJ still do civil asset forfeiture? That's another weird thing about US policing for my German mindset, and as opposed to cash bails it doesn't even have a cool Lee Majors TV series attached to it. I do remember that the municipial nature of PDs was also a bit troublesome to me.
  • kaycebasques 7y ago
    What about municipal PDs is troublesome to you?
    • HarryHirsch 7y ago
      Mostly the local oversight of the local force. The overly cozy arrangement just invites corruption.
    • petschge 7y ago
      No training standards, not larger-scale oversight, a lot of "we have always done it like this here", a lot of "I know the DA and the judge because we go to the same BBQs", incentives to contribute to the (very local and therefore very noticeable) general fund through fines and civil forfeiture, the list goes on. Basically a police that is the strongest gang in town rather than a professional and slightly anonymous representation of the law. Which in the end makes it less likely that the law applies the same to all, irrespective of the person.