2262

General Adoption Policy and Procedure

COMMENT: Adoptive seizures are encouraged. Forfeiture is one of the most effective weapons in the law enforcement arsenal and its use should be encouraged. In many areas of the nation, aggressive and effective use of forfeiture requires a willingness on the part of Federal law enforcement agencies to adopt State and local seizures for Federal forfeiture whenever appropriate. Department of Justice personnel in the field should be encouraged to adopt State and local seizures in order to immobilize criminal enterprises and to enhance cooperation among federal, state, and local agencies. This does not preclude application of established dollar thresholds nor relieve adopting officials of the duty to verify that seized property presented for adoption is forfeitable under Federal law and that its seizure was based upon probable cause. [cited in USAM 9-116.100]