Better Care and Disposal of Seized Cars, Boats, and Planes Should Save Money and Benefit Law Enforcement

GAO reported on the government's storage, care, and use of vehicles, vessels, and aircraft that are seized and forfeited for transporting controlled substances and illegal aliens.

GAO found that seized conveyances are normally held by law enforcement agencies for prolonged periods awaiting forfeiture to the government, during which time they receive little care, maintenance, or protection. GAO noted that, when the conveyances are sold, they often sell for only a fraction of their appraised value at seizure, largely because of their poor condition and ineffective federal sales practices. Further, if the agencies acquire the forfeited conveyances for their official use, they usually have high startup and continual repair costs. GAO also noted that storage problems with seized property have periodically hindered law enforcement efforts. GAO concluded that these problems, if not resolved, will likely become more extensive as the use of seizure as a means of fighting crime increases.

Recommendations

Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.

Director: Arnold P. Jones Team: General Accounting Office: General Government Division Phone: (202) 512-7797