Law preventing property seizures cutting into police budgets

Updated: 07/05/2015 10:52 AM | Created: 07/05/2015 10:50 AM 

By: The Associated Press

FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) - New Mexico law enforcement agencies say a new state law that prevents authorities from seizing assets from people unless they are convicted of a crime will devastate their budgets.
  
The Daily Times in Farmington reported Saturday that various police departments say a civil forfeiture law that took effect this month will mean less money for resources.
  
Under the law, police cannot seize a suspect's property unless they prove a crime occurred.
  
Police could previously take items for auction. The revenue funds police equipment or training.
  
Now, law enforcement agencies must store the items and either send them to the state Treasurer's Office or auction them locally.
  
But the proceeds go to the state's general fund either way.
  
Supporters say the law protects people who haven't been found guilty.
  
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Information from: The Daily Times, http://www.daily-times.com