In 2014, through civil asset forfeiture, the US police department seized more cash, cars, property etc. than all burglars and thieves combined. Forfeiture laws make it legal to take items with only the suspicion of illegal activity, often no charges are required. Worse, stats show that this disproportionately affects African Americans and Latinos.
Fortunately, Maine is attempting to pass a senate bill that will forbid this, as well as prevent local law enforcement to involve the federal law enforcement in order to escape state law.