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Marshals Duties >> Asset Forfeiture Asset Forfeiture Program
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The Marshals Service administers the
Department of Justice’s Asset Forfeiture Program by managing and
disposing of properties seized and forfeited by federal law enforcement agencies and U.S. attorneys nationwide. The program has become a key part of the federal government’s efforts to combat major criminal activities. Currently, the Marshals Service manages more than $964 million worth of property. There are three goals of the Asset Forfeiture Program: stripping criminals of their ill-gotten gains; improving law enforcement cooperation; and enhancing law enforcement through equitable revenue sharing. Asset forfeiture is a law enforcement success story, and the Marshals Service plays a vital role. In 1984, Congress passed the
Comprehensive Crime Control Act, which gave federal prosecutors new
forfeiture provisions with which to combat crime. Also created by this
legislation was the Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Fund (AFF).
The proceeds from the sale of forfeited assets such as real property,
vehicles, businesses, financial instruments, vessels, aircraft and
jewelry are deposited into the AFF and are subsequently used to further
law enforcement The Asset Forfeiture Program consists of:
the Marshals Service; U.S. Attorneys Offices; Federal Bureau of
Investigation; Drug Enforcement Administration; Department of State’s
Diplomatic Security Service; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms and Explosives. It is important to note that the Marshals
Service participates with the U.S. Attorneys Offices and the
investigative agencies in The Marshals Service manages and disposes
of all assets seized for forfeiture by utilizing successful procedures
employed by the private sector. The Marshals Service contracts with
qualified vendors who minimize the amount of time an asset remains in
inventory and maximize the net return to the government.
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