NCJ Number
137333
Date Published
1992
Length
96 pages
Annotation
Based on extensive research and interviews with experts in the asset forfeiture process at Federal, State, and local levels, this study examined the impact of asset forfeiture on the fiscal operation of medium-sized law enforcement agencies by the year 2001.
Abstract
Three subissues were selected for inclusion in the study: how competition for available resources will affect the use of forfeited assets, how local political influences will impact the use of forfeited assets, and how the acquisition of forfeited assets will affect an agency's enforcement priorities. The Nominal Group Technique was employed to forecast trends and events that might relate to the issue of asset forfeiture. Trends included the use of forfeiture funds to supplant the normal budget, competition for available resources, forfeited asset use as affected by service demands, pressure on narcotic units to seize money, and potential for corruption. Events considered to be possible involved repeal of forfeiture laws, major scandal in a police department, audits of forfeiture cases that result in sanctions, and move by major drug cartels to another locality. Strategic and transition management plans were developed based on the Fullerton, California Police Department as a model agency. It was determined that law enforcement must consider new methods for locating and identifying the proceeds of drug trafficking and that law enforcement needs to improve its political base and lobbying capabilities. Appendixes provide further information on the futures study methodology and results. 74 references, 27 endnotes, and 5 tables