“Operation Rolling Thunder” Casts Light on Civil Forfeiture

Law Enforcement Perspectives on Bus Searches

Well, folks, it seems the good ol’ boys in blue have found a new way to keep us “safe” on the roads. Forget about chasing down speeders or helping stranded motorists. The latest trend in law enforcement is giving Greyhound a run for its money. That’s right, our brave men and women in uniform are now conducting their own version of “Extreme Makeover: Bus Edition.” But instead of new upholstery, they’re searching for cold, hard cash. Let’s dive into this circus and see what’s really going on behind the badge.

Operation Rolling Thunder: More Than Just a Clever Name

In South Carolina, law enforcement has been conducting routine warrantless searches on commercial buses, particularly targeting low-income passengers. This initiative, dubbed “Operation Rolling Thunder,” involves extensive bus searches, with 45 inspections over 4-5 days in both 2022 and 2023. Police often use minor traffic infractions and K-9 units to justify these searches, which primarily target out-of-state drivers, especially those from North Carolina and Georgia.

Civil Forfeiture: Highway Robbery with a Badge

The real kicker in this operation is the use of civil forfeiture, which allows officers to seize property without an arrest or conviction, retaining up to 100% of the proceeds. Operation Rolling Thunder has proven to be highly lucrative, with $968,611 seized within five days in 2022 alone.

“This incentive to police for profit is huge. Participants from 11 agencies grabbed $968,611 during Operation Rolling Thunder in 2022.” – Daryl James and Rob Johnson for Reason Magazine

This practice raises serious concerns about the motivations behind these searches and the potential for abuse of power.

Controversy and Calls for Investigation

A controversial traffic stop involving a Shaw University charter bus on October 5, 2022, sparked allegations of racial profiling. While sheriffs defended the stop as standard procedure, citing safety concerns and anti-drug efforts, U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross and other lawmakers are calling for a Department of Justice investigation into the traffic stop and the practices of the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office.

“It’s disheartening to know that when your guys do things right, you still have to get up and defend their actions” – Sheriff Steve Mueller

This statement from Sheriff Mueller highlights the tension between law enforcement’s perceived duties and public scrutiny of their actions.

The Impact on Civil Liberties

These practices raise significant concerns about the erosion of civil liberties and the disproportionate targeting of low-income and minority communities. The ease with which law enforcement can conduct these searches and seize property without due process is alarming.

“Once abuse occurs, bus passengers have little ability to call it out because they lack political clout” – Daryl James and Rob Johnson

This quote underscores the vulnerability of those most affected by these practices and the need for greater oversight and accountability in law enforcement operations.