NCJ Number
97682
Date Published
1985
Length
87 pages
Annotation
Donation programs, forfeiture programs, and other strategies are examined by which law enforcement agencies supplement their budgets.
Abstract
Study data came from a review of the laws and literature and interviews with more than 100 law enforcement administrators, local budget directors, State criminal justice officials, and private citizens. Donation programs were often initiated to fulfill special needs, such as equipping the patrol force with body armor or supporting a mounted unit. A few cities have set up formal foundations to provide a regular source of contributions. In recent years, police and prosecutors have also increased their use of forfeiture from smuggling and organized crime operations to supplement their budgets. Other strategies include using volunteers to help officers perform their duties, conducting fundraising events, earmarking part of traffic fines for police services, passing special police taxes, and seeking rewards from the Internal Revenue Service for tipping them off about tax evaders in racketeering cases. However, charging user fees directly for police services was only of indirect benefit because they may hurt those who most need the services and the money may go to the jurisdictions' general fund rather than to the police. Critics of the supplementation strategies have raised a variety of issues. In response, State laws and program organizers have tried to establish safeguards against possible abuses. Footnotes, data tables, and an appendix presenting a State-by-State comparison of forfeiture laws for controlled substances violations and other background information are included. (Author summary modified)