The Pasadena Police Department to Make Forfeiture Funds Available to Some Nonprofits

The Pasadena Police Department is making asset forfeiture funds available to community-based nonprofit organizations with stated missions that are supportive of and consistent with law enforcement efforts, policies, and/or initiatives, according to a statement issued by the department.

“I am extremely excited about the Community Reinvestment Grant Program as it demonstrates Pasadena Police Department’s commitment to the betterment of the Pasadena community,” said Pasadena Police Chief John Perez. 

“This program uses legally seized funds from high-level narcotics trafficking organizations to financially support and positively impact community-based, nonprofit organizations, especially during these financially difficult times. My hope is the supplemental funding for these nonprofit organizations will assist with the collective goal of reducing crime.”

Last year, police officials told the City Council’s Public Safety Committee that the department took in $788,089 from asset forfeitures – a huge jump from the $28,929 collected from forfeitures in all of fiscal year 2018-2019.

Asset forfeiture is allowed by law when the government takes property which criminal suspects obtained through, or used in, illegal activity.

The practice is intended to disrupt criminal activities through the seizure and forfeiture of the instruments or proceeds of crimes. It typically applies to the alleged proceeds or instruments of crimes, such as property, vehicles, and electronic devices.

Under forfeiture laws,  law enforcement can confiscate and sell items used and purchased through proceeds from illegal activities. 

In 2016, police picked up $320,000 in this manner. In 2017, the number was down to $154,165,

In the past, the department has spent some of those funds on lease payments for undercover vehicles, surveillance equipment, monthly charges for electronic surveillance equipment, training in munitions, and training of narcotics investigators.

The purpose of the Department of  Justice Equitable Sharing Program allows law enforcement agencies to provide support to neighborhood safety, promote crime prevention, provide drug-abuse education, and offer drug-abuse prevention services by providing funding for nonprofit organizations with specific projects to address these areas of concern. 

For more information, visit cityofpasadena.net/police/community-and-safety/community-reinvestment-grant/