Under a policy know as civil forfeiture, police officers can confiscate any property they believe by a “preponderance of the evidence” to be engaged in unlawful activity. Often, they are allowed to keep that property and do not have to charge you with a crime.

John Oliver breaks down how widespread the practice is and how it is probably being abused.

Joshua is a writer and researcher with Ring of Fire. You can follow him on Twitter @Joshual33.