NCJ Number
165424
Date Published
1991
Length
70 pages
Annotation
This report presents the findings of an evaluation of the District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department's Financial Investigation Unit (FIU), which is responsible for determining whether a suspect's material assets have been obtained from illegal drug sales and whether there is probable cause for seizing these assets.
Abstract
Between fiscal years 1987 and 1990, the Office of Criminal Justice Plans and Analysis awarded three separate grants to the FIU, totaling approximately $170,884; these grants were intended to increase FIU's capacity by hiring additional personnel and obtaining computer equipment and training. The FIU also planned to purchase two microcomputers with software and four telefax machines to improve the management of assets that are seized because of drug-related offenses. The evaluation focused on the extent to which FIU is achieving its program goals; the verification of staff recruitment activities; the verification of equipment purchases; a review of the training, education, and outreach activities of the FIU; and identification of program improvements. Evaluation procedures involved the data collection and review of grant-related documents, staff interviews, a demonstration of the new computerized reporting system, a review of purchase orders for staff training, and a review of intergovernmental agreements/procedures. FIU staff reported that all of the equipment was purchased; however, evaluators were unable to obtain copies of the purchase orders to confirm that the equipment being used was purchased with funding provided by the grant. Most of the staff reported that they had attended training, but evaluators were unable to obtain standard copies of training requests. Since the first of the year, the Unit has been compiling real-time data and information on assets that are being investigated or seized. FIU provided the evaluation team with examples of monthly reports that were generated by the new computer system. FIU's noteworthy achievements are described, and recommendations for improving FIU's operations are offered. Data on FIU cases are included.