Asset Forfeiture (From International Drug Trafficking, P 115-133, 1988, Dennis Rowe, ed. -- See NCJ-117642)

• NCJ Number: 117652
• Author(s): J L O'Neill
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 19 pages
• Sale Source: University of Illinois at Chicago
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS. A paper presented at the Second Annual Symposium on Criminal Justice Issues, August 23-26, 1987, Chicago, Ill.

Annotation

This paper reviews the nature and impact of drug forfeiture law in the United States and advises police agencies on the organization and operations of drug forfeiture units.

Abstract

Forfeiture is the taking by the government of property illegally used or acquired without compensating the owner. In the past several years, both State and Federal governments have enacted laws that provide for the forfeiture of property used in, as well as profits derived from, the illegal drug trade. Such laws not only strike at the core of a trafficker's motive for drug dealing, i.e., the accumulation of wealth and goods, but provide funds to enhance drug enforcement efforts without drawing on public revenues. Civil forfeiture laws work better in most cases. With civil law, the same probable cause used to arrest, search, or seize property is sufficient to begin forfeiture proceedings. In discussing the organization and operations of a police forfeiture unit, this paper considers personnel selection and training, equipment, office space, and investigative techniques and guidelines. Questions and answers involving symposium participants are included.