The spoils of war
Thank goodness for the
BROOKSVILLE [Fla.] – Daymond E. Taylor Jr. is the Brooksville Police Department’s biggest benefactor.
His 50-inch television sits squarely in the conference room.
His plush leather sofas decorate Chief Ed Tincher’s office.
His sport utility vehicle, with $30,000 of stereo equipment inside, is parked in the motor pool, repainted with police slogans and insignia.
But there’s no plaque at the station honoring Taylor, and he’s not really in a position to complain.
The convicted drug dealer won’t be out of federal prison until February 2012. All his “gifts” – that’s what Tincher calls them – came through forfeiture and seizure.
And that 50-inch television makes neighborhoods soooooo much safer.
Billy Dennis is a former reporter and editor at small daily and weekly newspapers in Illinois and Missouri. He comments on media, news and politics. He also owns and operates 
Non-story.
Why don’t they sell what they don’t need to buy more bulletproof vests or whatever? Are you suggesting that we should just let the drug dealer sell his poison as long as he pays taxes on his profits? Are you suggesting that crack is no different than alcohol? What is it that you are suggesting, Bill?
The “what’s in it for us mindset”? Why go after the worthless punks who got nothin. Maybe Bill is suggesting this department might not be so inclined to go after certain criminals unless there are rewards to be had. Does seem a little strange that the police department is using these items. I thought that sort of stuff was supposed to go up on auction. Maybe that is Florida for you.
Naw, most of the D.A.R.E. cars you see are forfeitures. I have no problem with this.