Illinois Police Keep Seized Cars for Personal Use

Expensive vehicles kept after arrests for suspected DUI in Illinois.

Illinois State Police have been seizing certain vehicles following arrests for drunk driving in Illinois, and then setting them aside for personal and business use by influential officials. The Associated Press has reported that police used a state seizure law to confiscate a high-performance Dodge Charger SRT8 valued at over $38,000. The vehicle was then awarded to the executive director of the Illinois State Police Merit Board.

Having a good relationship with the Merit Board is known to enhance a state troopers’ chance of promotion.

The expense of gas and maintenance for the 6.1 liter, 425-horsepower Dodge Charger is borne by the taxpayer. The muscle car is just one of two dozen desirable vehicles seized for criminal offenses, including driving under the influence, in Illinois. Others include an Audi and a Cadillac Escalade.

State police officials refuse to identify the recipients of the seized vehicles, saying it would endanger the officers if the public knew what make and model car they drove.

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