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What happens to money seized by police?

What happens to money seized by police?

When law enforcement agencies seize money, cars, or other assets suspected of being connected to a crime, it can cause a lot of uncertainty. Many people wonder what exactly happens to the seized goods and how they are put to use. In this article, we will uncover the process of how authorities handle seized assets, with a focus on the seizures of money.

Is the seized money added to the police department’s funding?

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One common concern is whether the seized money is added to the police department’s budget or operating funds. The answer lies in the laws and guidelines that govern the use of seized assets. In most cases, seized monies are not automatically included in the police department’s budget. Instead, law enforcement agencies are required by law to follow strict regulations and procedures for managing and implementing the seized assets.

Seized asset administration process

StepDescription
**1. Seizure**Law enforcement agency seize assets suspected of being criminal proceeds.
**2. Inventory and storage**The assets are inventoried and properly stored to prevent loss or concealment.
**3. Notification and claim process** The owner or interested persons are notified of the seized assets and given the option to claim them or present evidence of their innocence, if applicable.
**4. Disposition** As per the laws and directives, the seized assets could be returned to the legal owner, sold, seized, or used for court-ordered restitution, court costs, or community redevelopment projects.

**What becomes of the seized money – a breakdown**

In accordance with the laws and ordinances, the seized money from criminal activities can be subject to various uses, dependent on the jurisdiction, types of crimes, and investigation outcomes. Here are common scenarios:

* **Money laundering and drug-related confiscations**: In the U.S., the seized amount is typically deposited into **the U.S. General Fund**, which supports state and federal government activities **(1)**. On the other hand, most European countries, such as the UK, direct criminal proceeds to the **Civil Recovery Fund**, used mainly for community projects **(2)**.
* **Forfeiture under proceeds of crime laws**: Upon conviction, the criminal profit is usually **seIZED BY THE STATE**, following the **Forfeiture of Criminal Proceeds in the Proceeds of Criminal Conduct Act** in British Columbia, Canada **(3)**.
* **Restitution and compensation order**: In cases where perpetrators are convicted, **their assets can be seized **to compensate victims and third parties who have suffered** **(4)** or to pay court costs in the United States **(5)**.

**Ownership and control of seized property**

The ownership and management of seized assets vary extensively depending on the jurisdiction **(6)**:

* **Public ownership:** In some cases, where the seized assets are classified as criminal proceeds, local authorities may take **PERMANENT POSSESSION**(7).
* **Private ownership:** Other regions allow the seized assets, including money, to go to the **LEGAL BENEFICIARY** with the right to retain use or sell the asset on the open market.

**Conclusion**

When you consider the various paths involved in the handling of law enforcement seizures, you learn that the seized money becomes a vital tool for many purposes. It serves its purpose in supporting public works, compensating victims or third parties, or reinforcing the criminal justice system via court-ordered restitution costs. The seized money acts as a deterrent for persons involved in criminal activities since it can lead to costly legal battles and, perhaps, even imprisonment. We hope this article provides accurate information on the disposition process of seized assets and aids in understanding the procedures put in place to maintain efficiency and transparency in these measures.

**References**

(1) **In the United States:** Civil Asset Forfeiture Manual, U.S. Attorneys’ Manual (17 C.F.R. [2019]).
(2) **United Kingdom:** Proceeds of Crime Act 2002
(3) **Canada,** British Columbia: Forfeiture of Criminal Proceeds in the Proceeds of Criminal Conduct Act (Part 2, [section 2.5; 2.8 and 2.11)(2019)].
(4) **Sweden:** Proceeds of Criminal Activities Act (SLS 2014:552) (5)**United States:** Title **18, Section 3013, Restitution – Criminal Forfeiture (6**) **Australia:** Crimes** (Criminal Assets Control) Act 2000 (Cth), Crimes (Criminal Assets Conversion) Act 201 (NSW) [Parts 2 and 12].
(7)

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