Seize and keep: Civil forfeitures in Massachusetts
City councilors seek review of Boston police purchase of surveillance tech after WBUR and ProPublica investigation
The transaction, detailed in an investigation by WBUR and ProPublica, was previously hidden from the public.
Boston police bought spy tech with a pot of money hidden from the public
Boston police used a "slush fund" to pay for a surveillance device that can grab cell phone data from suspects — and also from other phones nearby. The department says...
Lawmakers Call For Reforms To Civil Forfeiture After WBUR And ProPublica Investigation
After a WBUR and ProPublica investigation found possible due process violations, lawmakers are calling for additional reforms to the state's civil asset forfeiture laws.
It's Easy For Police To Seize Money. Worcester's District Attorney Makes It Hard To Get It Back
Under Massachusetts' civil forfeiture system, police can confiscate property they suspect is part of a drug crime and prosecutors could hold it indefinitely, even when criminal charges have been dismissed....