Connecticut State police are purchasing 1,250 new pistols using money seized from criminals such as drug dealers.
According to the Associated Press, the new 45-caliber Sig Sauer P220 pistols total $280,000 and packs more power than the 16-year-old pistols currently used.
A description of the pistol on the Sig Sauer website says, “In 1976 the .45 ACP P220 was introduced and quickly became recognized as one of ‘the most accurate 45s right out of the box.’ Since that time the P220 has earned an enviable record in hot spots around the world."
Asset forfeitures were a $1.8 billion national industry in the 2010 fiscal year. People convicted of federal crimes can have their property seized if that property “was involved in or the result of criminal behavior,” according to the U.S. Attorney’s office.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Connecticut made $5.5 million from asset forfeiture in 2010.
In 2011, 56 state troopers were laid off in order to for budgetary reasons. In 2012, lawmakers paved the way for future reductions in staff.
