I was watching a show last night where it was all about drug busts...and the cops were seizing a LOT of money and I was just wondering what they do with it since it is considered drug money??
2007-01-07 04:08:01 · 18 answers · asked by m0mmy0f3 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
The court system the State and the Federal government monitors the money and it is divided up between the court system, state, and local agencies. It's called Assett forfeiture.
Under federal law, no law enforcement agency can use proceeds derived from seizer of monies or properties of a drug bust for funding the salaries of employees.
Money is used for equipment, units, vest, etc. Property is sold off at auction and the money is used the same way. Again all money and property that is seized is strictly monitored and enforced.
2007-01-07 04:23:28 · answer #1 · answered by Lori H 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is used any many different ways. It is used for upgrading equipment, funding different programs, charities, and also in purchasing drugs from dealers in undercover situations. It isn't just the money that is used, vehicles, homes, andything that is siezed is used if it can be.
In Houston, even a dealers identity was used in an investigation. There was a police officer that could have been the twin brother of a well known dealer. The dealer worked with the police, for obvious reasons, and the officer assumed his identity. From what I read, he did fairly well throughout the time he was "undercover".
It does not go to bonuses, but would that be a bad thing. I know I am not paid enough for what I do, the hours I work, and the people I put up with. A bonus would be nice.
2007-01-07 12:26:43 · answer #2 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depending on which agency is credited with the "BUST", any money, property or tangible items siezed as a result of a drug or drug-related arrest are first held in the safety of the PROPERTY room of the responsible agency until the disposition of any indictments, or the end of the trial. If the DEFENDANT is found NOT GUILTY, all goods and property are duly returned to that party. When found guilty, all assets and property DERIVED FROM, OR USED SOLELY FOR THE SALE OF DRUGS are confiscated by the AGENCY of RECORD and liquidated to cash for the use BY THAT AGENCY (and any other agency included in the process) FIRST - for the payment of any RESTITUTION, THEN for the EXPLICIT purchase of equipment and supplies directly related to drug enforcement.
Our local police department has been awarded funds for at least 3 NEW vehicles for the department, along with radios, vests, ammunition, a practice pistol range, and our Auxiliary Police Dept. was given a (used) vehicle that was actually used by a drug dealer to elude the police.
Believe me - the money is put to good use, and NONE is used for anyone's personal gain.
2007-01-07 12:55:20 · answer #3 · answered by Len_NJ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the money is taken for evidence it is placed in the evidence locker. More likely it is taken for forfeiture proceedings. The money will be placed in a forfeiture fund. If the person it was taken from can PROVE that it wasn't proceeds from drug transactions or illegally obtained they can get it back in a civil trial. If they can't then the money is forfeited to the seizing law enforcement agency. The money can then be used for the purchase of specialized items, as long as the agency can show it is going toward fighting drug crime such as drug interdiction schools, night vision, special pin hole cameras, etc.
2007-01-07 12:26:27 · answer #4 · answered by Kevin C 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The money becomes evidence against the person(s) arrested. In PA the arresting agency can apply to the district attorney's office to receive some or all of the money to fund their anti-drug activities.
2007-01-07 13:13:38 · answer #5 · answered by The Cleaner 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most states have guidelines the departments have to follow for the money's use. Some generally goes to the state and the law enforcement agencies share is used to buy equipment etc., to fight drug related crimes.
2007-01-07 15:28:34 · answer #6 · answered by Thunderhawk 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In WA state whenever drug money is found it all goes to the law enforcement agency responsible for the bust. They are supposed to use it to get new equipment and upgrades and things like that, but it probably goes towards "bonuses".
2007-01-07 12:16:49 · answer #7 · answered by FlyChicc420 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Where I live, the local PDs turn over seizure funds to the county DA's office. The DA then uses the funds to support law enforcement activities throughout the county.
2007-01-07 12:11:43 · answer #8 · answered by Axeslinger 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Donate it to charities, use it to buy drugs in undercover busts, burn some(the money they "collect" during up close and personal body searches).
2007-01-07 12:11:37 · answer #9 · answered by Hielodrive 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Split it up among them selves, save a little to turn in for evidence,. it's called perks of the job.
2007-01-07 12:59:13 · answer #10 · answered by Dave 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋