Bill allowing law enforcement to use forfeiture funds for additional purposes signed into law
NEW JERSEY – Senator Michael Testa’s (R-1) bill allowing law enforcement to use forfeiture funds for additional purposes was signed into law this week by Governor Murphy.
“This legislation will give New Jersey law enforcement agencies more flexibility with funds that are seized during an investigation—which is a crucial piece missing from existing civil asset forfeiture law,” said Testa. “Law enforcement can now use these funds to support important initiatives and help grow and reinforce relationships between police and local neighborhoods.”
Under current law, proceeds from the forfeiture of private property are designated for the exclusive use of the law enforcement agency that contributed to the investigation resulting in the forfeiture, and are to be used solely for law enforcement purposes.
S-587 allows law enforcement agencies to use proceeds from civil asset forfeiture for the additional purposes of: increasing outreach to all communities; providing additional training for law enforcement officers; and establishing and implementing recruitment programs.
