NCJ Number
151588
Date Published
1991
Length
32 pages
Annotation
The asset forfeiture programs in the Departments of Justice (DOJ) and Treasury are explored.
Abstract
This report is one in a series addressing various aspects of the asset forfeiture programs. Both programs deal with hundreds of millions of dollars worth of seized property annually and have been identified by their agencies and the Office of Management and Budget as having internal control problems. The Comptroller General also has designated these programs as high-risk areas warranting special audit effort. Specifically, this report discusses the DOJ's and Treasury's compliance with the requirement in the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 that they develop and maintain a joint plan to coordinate and consolidate the postseizure administration of properties seized for drug- related violations and the potential cost savings that could be realized if all drug- and non-drug-related seizures were included in a consolidated program. Details of the scope and methodology of the report are provided. Results of the review indicate that there has been no significant progress toward developing a joint plan for consolidating the postseizure administration of properties seized for drug-related violations. Duplication of effort, therefore, continues and potential cost savings remain unrealized. The report recommends that Congress amend the law to require postseizure administration of all drug-and non-drug-related seized properties be consolidated in one agency. The DOJ should be designated the leader in the consolidation effort and the Marshals Service should be designated property custodian. Appendixes, tables, and figures are included in the report.