NCJ Number
111769
Date Published
1988
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This report discusses U.S. Customs Service and U.S. Department of Justice approaches to managing conveyances (vehicles, vessels, and aircraft) seized under their forfeiture programs.
Abstract
Both agencies have been attempting to resolve management problems including program fragmentation, insufficient funds, and information management to ensure proper storage, maintenance, and disposal of seized assets. Customs used a private contractor, Northrup Worldwide Aircraft Services, Inc., while Justice's management is through the U.S. Marshals Service. To address the funding problem, Congress established Justice and Customs Forfeiture Funds in 1984. Revenues from the sale of forfeited assets are channeled into these funds to help meet program expenses. Both funds are paying for program-related expenses and have had substantial carryovers after deducting expenses during fiscal years 1986 and 1987. While both have progressed in resolving other problems, Customs has shown greater progress. Customs had consolidated its seized conveyance custodial functions with Northrop as of May 1986. Justice consolidated its seized conveyance functions within the Marshals Service in 1984. However, physical transfer to the Marshals Service by seizing agencies has only partially occurred. In addition, Customs has made greater progress in developing information systems to satisfy management needs.