Budgets are tight

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports on that ongoing other war that doesn't make headlines anymore. Unlike the War on Poverty (WOP), which the US also lost (per Ronald Reagan - Poverty son), the War on Drugs (WOD) continues on, helping to explain the 830,000 marijuana arrests in 2006 (89% for possession). As you can see from the article, WOD is necessary to help fund police departments. And besides, "it's a profitable venture" (not just a job, it's a venture).

There’s no denying, however, that drug interdiction is a profitable venture. Police make no apologies for it.

Jefferson police have used drug forfeiture money to help buy two sport utility vehicles. Federal rules mandate that money seized from drug investigations can be used only for training, equipment and public relations. Jefferson police plan to designate some money toward officer training and community outreach programs about drug abuse, Chief Joseph Wirthman said.

The Braselton Police Department has used drug forfeiture money to build a shooting range and a $350,000 live shoot house where officers can practice on targets. The money also bought a fleet of Dodge Chargers, Solis said.

“Budgets are tight, so this is where police departments are getting money,” Solis said. “The drug dealer is paying for a lot of stuff.”