FARGO, N.D. – The Challey Institute at North Dakota State University (NDSU) is set to host a screening of a provocative new documentary, When Cops Become Robbers, which examines the impact of personal property seizure by law enforcement across the United States.
The film's producer, Patrick Reasonover, recently discussed the documentary’s origins and its focus on the "Afroman case" of 2022. That incident, involving a raid on the artist’s home where no charges were filed, has sparked a national conversation about the handling of personal property after police encounters.
Understanding Civil vs. Criminal Asset Forfeiture
The documentary distinguishes between two types of asset forfeiture:
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Criminal Asset Forfeiture: Typically follows an arrest, indictment, and conviction. If the defendant is found innocent, the property is usually returned.
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Civil Asset Forfeiture: Allows law enforcement to seize property based on the suspicion that it was involved in or the proceeds of a crime. Crucially, this can occur without a criminal indictment or conviction.
Reasonover noted that while 85% of Americans across the political spectrum oppose this policy when explained, it remains widespread. He highlighted that the standard of proof in civil proceedings is "clear and convincing evidence," a lower bar than the "beyond a reasonable doubt" required in criminal trials.
Concerns Over Profit Incentives
A central theme of the film is the financial incentive for law enforcement agencies. Depending on the jurisdiction, agencies may keep a portion of the seized assets or receive funds back through federal equitable sharing programs.
"Law enforcement agencies get to keep the money," Reasonover said. "They actually have an incentive to take the money because they get to keep some percentage of it."
The documentary features a whistleblower, a former police officer named Jeremiah, who describes instances of misconduct related to these practices. It also features Brad Gates, one of the original architects of the policy during the 1980s "War on Drugs," who now believes the system has evolved into something far beyond its intended purpose.
Screening Information
The screening of When Cops Become Robbers will take place tomorrow at NDSU, sponsored by the Challey Institute. For more information, interested parties can visit ndsu.edu/challeyinstitute.