> Why not all go to Charity?

Without getting too political, several charities only benefit the people who set them up and picking charities is a major political exercise.

> I am fine with taking a car used in a crime away

I'm not, per the story that's exactly what they did.

> but you can't give the money to the person who took the car nor the court that decides

Any money received by the government as a result of someone doing something illegal should not be in the hands of the courts or police. I'd rather it not be decided by anyone and just used in some fund.

There are already a number of arrangements where corporations can pay penalties to 'approved' charities instead of the regulator as part or all of an agreement; these deals have been problematic, as the government officials appear to be using the arrangements to favor interest groups and potential future employers.

I am not saying your idea is a bad one, but I think it is useful to know where the potential problems lie.

Its that part of government's version of giving a contract to a company then being hired by said company after leaving government. Both should be illegal.

Too fraught with risk. Police should be treated like any other government agency -- windfalls or other revenue go right to the general fund.

But they'd still be able to justify their budget by pointing to the fines that they collect.

Fines and seizures are different.

Seizures buy fancy guns and toys, SUVs, overtime, etc. No bureaucrat wants to give money to another department.