This may be the most unpopular place to say this but...
I am a law enforcement officer, have been for many years.
That said, please don't lump all police officers together or judge them all based on the actions of a few. I'm proud of my job and I've worked hard to get to the position I'm in. I've never had to lie in court for any situation, never had to write a BS ticket or trump up a charge against anyone, there are plenty of real crimes to prosecute. I treat everyone with the same respect that I would expect for myself, my family, or anyone else out there. I do the job not because I think it gives me some sort of power, or ego boost, but because I love the satisfaction that I get out of it. I've read this forum long enough to understand that many of you probably have a legitimate gripe against some officers or some departments, but again, don't put us all in the some category.
This is the part that may surprise you all. I completely agree that the seizure of this vehicle, or any other property in a similar situation is unwarranted and unconstitutional. The vehicle was not aquired as a result of a criminal enterprise or criminal act, therefore should not be subject to seizure. I find it especially insulting that they would "DARE" to paint an American flag on the hood
. This guy should be locked up and his license revoked. It does not matter if nobody was harmed, what he did was reckless and I don't think we should wait to punish that kind of behavior until someone gets killed. If some guy sits outside your kids school firing an AK-47 into the playground full of kids but doesn't hit anybody, do you prosecute him or just let him keep shooting until he hits somebody? Yes, it's a stretch, but come on, this guy is just flat out dangerous.
We all need to be careful of what rights we are giving up. The scales are tipping in the wrong direction.
The actions of a law enforcement officer are scrutinized more than almost any other profession, and it should be that way. But, stereotyping all of them together because of the actions of a few serves no purpose and will not bring about the changes that may be needed when it comes to those unprofessional individuals or departments.