I think all of us wonder about this same question when they find stacks of money everywhere - the sight is tempting. Hopefully some level of integrity remains with most law enforcement officials that means only in a rare moment will someone steal something.
International Level: Activist / Political Participation: 28 2.8%
I wonder also about things like cars that are impounded or drugs that are confiscated. I know the property (Cars, boats, houses) get sold at auction for money to go to the police department, but it seems they would have a huge surplus of things that couldn't be sold, but that might still be valuable. I am disheartened to hear stories about law enforcement abusing their position to take this confiscated money and spend it on personal things (Especially frivolous things like plastic surgery). I know cops don't make near enough to compensate them for their service, but at least spend the money on necessities. .
International Level: New Activist / Political Participation: 21 2.1%
Hollywood makes many movies about this with the dirty cop, dirty agent routine where he sneaks away some of the goods. Truth is it takes a lot of different officers to pull off something like that and not just one person unless they're particularly gifted at being a thief.
International Level: Activist / Political Participation: 32 3.2%
They say its kept for evidence and then used to help the victims or fund the government but I have my doubts. In a raid who is to say that they did not come across $100,000 when it was really $200,000. Police work is a tough job and many cops think they should get a fair share of putting their life at risk.
International Level: New Activist / Political Participation: 10 1%