Since You Asked

FORFEITURE ISN'T LIKE ON TV

On last week's episode of "The Shield," there was discussion of a
property-forfeiture program. Police would seize and sell homes and vehicles
paid for or used in the manufacture or distribution of drugs. A third of
the proceeds would go to police, a third to the district attorney and the
last third toward community-improvement projects.

Does the Medford Police Department or Jackson County Sheriff's Department
have a program like this? Or are these forfeiture programs just a bunch of
Hollywood make-believe?

- - Derek P., Medford

While not make-believe, Oregon forfeiture programs don't mirror Hollywood
portrayals.

"It's not like it is on TV ... finding suitcases of money," said Lt. Dewey
Patten, commander of the Jackson County Narcotics Enforcement Team.

JACNET investigates about 30 to 40 drug cases every year that involve some
type of forfeiture - usually cash, Patten said. The agency pursues
virtually no forfeitures of vehicles or real estate because the lengthy
process and legal entanglements don't justify the monetary return, Patten
said. JACNET anticipates receiving $30,000 in forfeitures for this fiscal
year, the lieutenant said. "

When a forfeiture is made, 40 percent of the proceeds pay for drug
treatment through Jackson County Health and Human Services. The arresting
agency recoups 38 percent. Ten percent goes to the state's general fund, 7
percent to a meth lab cleanup fund and 3 percent to an asset forfeiture
oversight committee, Patten said. The county charges 2 percent to manage
the funds.

But the process will likely change again thanks to pending legislation, the
anticipated release of a Supreme Court decision and the recent expiration
of a voter-passed law that established current forfeiture procedures.