In our decade-long fight to end civil forfeiture, IJ has proved how powerful data is in exposing and shutting down this abusive practice. Yesterday, we won a total victory at Pennsylvania’s intermediate appellate court that will prevent law enforcement agencies across the state from keeping forfeiture records under wraps and away from public scrutiny.

Please help drive IJ’s momentum to end forfeiture for good with an online gift today.

IJ sued the state on behalf of reporter Carter Walker. In 2018, Carter filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to find out exactly what happens to the property that Lancaster County law enforcement seizes and whether, as in other counties, it gets auctioned to law enforcement officials at fire-sale prices. The state ordered Lancaster’s district attorney to comply with Carter’s request, but the DA instead appealed to the courts to keep the records hidden from public view—and oversight.

IJ’s own research reveals just how badly such scrutiny is needed in my home state. Our latest edition of Policing for Profit—released in December—discovered that Pennsylvania law enforcement agencies brought in at least $459 million in forfeiture revenue over the past 20 years. Thanks to another IJ research report released this week, we know that such extensive use of forfeiture does not help combat crime, contrary to law enforcement claims.

Our victory yesterday rejected law enforcement’s plea for secrecy and set an important precedent for transparency—especially when it comes to civil forfeiture. With this victory and fresh data behind us, IJ has new momentum in our efforts to protect the property of all Americans from unjust confiscation. As state and local governments look to offset pandemic-prompted revenue shortfalls, our work on this front is especially timely and important.

You can join IJ’s fight to end forfeiture—and protect the rights people need most at this critical time—by donating online at ij.org/give-now.

On behalf of our clients and staff, many thanks for your support!

Scott

Scott G. Bullock
President and General Counsel
Institute for Justice

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