Original Author: Barton, Rex
Date of Material: 06/01/2004
Subjects(s):
Police--Criminal forfeiture
Police--Finance--Drug operations
Disposition of Seized Cash
Reviewed Date: 06/29/2021
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MTAS was asked about the proper procedures for storing cash seized by the police department.
Response summary from attached letter:
The state Comptroller's office has long had regulations requiring all cash to be deposited in a bank account, rather than being stored at the city hall or the police department. Seized cash is no exception. In some instances the actual cash is needed for evidentiary purposes, but a photograph of the cash will usually suffice.
The police chief, or his designee, should turn all cash over to the city recorder and obtain a receipt from the recorder. The recorder should deposit the cash in the city's bank account. If the cash is ultimately returned to the defendant, the recorder can issue a check upon receipt of the court order or an order from the Department of Safety. If the cash is ultimately forfeited to the police department's drug fund, the recorder can simply make a fund transfer upon receipt of the order.
The state Comptroller's office has long had regulations requiring all cash to be deposited in a bank account, rather than being stored at the city hall or the police department. Seized cash is no exception. In some instances the actual cash is needed for evidentiary purposes, but a photograph of the cash will usually suffice.
The police chief, or his designee, should turn all cash over to the city recorder and obtain a receipt from the recorder. The recorder should deposit the cash in the city's bank account. If the cash is ultimately returned to the defendant, the recorder can issue a check upon receipt of the court order or an order from the Department of Safety. If the cash is ultimately forfeited to the police department's drug fund, the recorder can simply make a fund transfer upon receipt of the order.
Main Document(s):
Disposition of Seized Cash.pdf