"Fact is that most don't use it for its intended purpose so they pocket more money. Would you prefer a quartermaster system where it all MUST be spent on equipment?" A well equipped department vs a poorly equipped department may not matter to those just into pocketing money, but it matters to those actually policing who need good equipment to do their jobs. It's a reverse incentive to do the right thing, just like court pay instead of overtime. You get rewarded with quick easy mone like rats eating