Asset Forfeiture: Opportunities to Improve Program Administration -- Statement of J. William Gadsby Before the Subcommittee on Intellectual Property and Judicial Administration on March 13, 1991

• NCJ Number: 151591
• Author(s): J W Gadsby
• Date Published: 1991
• Length: 10 pages
• Corporate Author: US Government Accountability Office
• Sale Source: Azimuth Inc.; National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Legislative Hearing/Committee Report
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: For related documents, see NCJ-151581 and NCJ-151588.

Annotation

Asset forfeiture programs are discussed.

Abstract

This testimony addresses the additional opportunities to improve the asset forfeiture programs of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and U.S. Customs (Customs). The testifier urges consolidation of the asset forfeiture programs into one agency for postseizure management and disposition under the DOJ working through the U.S. Marshals Service. The current arrangement is wasteful and results in duplication of efforts. The testifier cites the failure of previous consolidation efforts. Recommended actions include: (1) Congressional amendments of the existing consolidation requirement to include noncash properties seized for nondrug violations; (2) designation of the Marshals Service as the property custodian and the DOJ designated as the lead developer of the plan; and (3) require the development of a plan to address program deficiencies and an implementation timetable within 6 months. Concerns of Customs are briefly delineated as are examples of inconsistent application of Marshals Service policies. Charts depicting non-cash seized property inventories as of June 30, 1990, major seized property locations as of June 30, 1990, and varying prices paid for managing seized vehicles are given.