Policy Text
GO 127.1 Forfeitures Page 1 of 9 Rev. 01/15/23
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GENERAL ORDER
127.1 FORFEITURES
REVISION DATE: 01/15/2023
BY ORDER OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE
SUNNY ISLES BEACH
POLICE DEPARTMENT ORIGINAL EFFECTIVE DATE: 01/15/23
PREVIOUS REVISIONS:
RESCINDS: All previously issued directives REFERENCE : 15.19M
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. PURPOSE ....................................................... ............................................................... .... 1
B. SCOPE ......................................................... ............................................................... ....... 1
C. POLICY ........................................................ ............................................................... ...... 1
D. PROPERTY SUBJECT TO SEIZURE ................................... ....................................... 2
E. AUTHORITY OF SEIZING PROPERTY ................................. .................................... 3
F. CRITERIA FOR SEIZING PROPERTY ................................. ...................................... 3
G. PROCEDURE FOR SEIZING PROPERTY ................................ ................................. 4
H. INNOCENT OWNER DEFENSE ........................................ ........................................... 6
I. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR S EIZING REAL PROPERTY .............. .......... 6
J. STORAGE OF PROPERTY ........................................... ................................................ 7
K. MAINTENANCE OF PROPERTY ....................................... ......................................... 8
L. RELEASE OF PROPERTY ........................................... ................................................. 9
M. SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTS ......................................... ........................................... 9
N. TRAINING ...................................................... ............................................................... ... 9
O. DISPOSITION OF FORFEITED PROPERTY ............................. ................................ 9
A. PURPOSE
The purpose of this directive is to standardize the procedures for seizing, maintaining and forfeiting contraband
and personal property pursuant to the provisions of the Flor ida Contraband Forfeiture Act (FCFA), FSS
932.701 –932.707 .
B. SCOPE
This directive is applicable t o all Department members.
C. POLICY
1. It shall be the policy of the City of Sunny Isles Beach Police Department to enforce the provisions of the FCFA
to the fullest extent possible to deter and prevent the continu ed use of contraband articles for criminal purposes
while protecting the proprietary interests of innocent owners a nd lien holders and to use the proceeds
collected as supplemental fundi ng for authorized purposes.
FORFEITURES
Policy 127.1
GO 127.1 Forfeitures Page 2 of 9 Rev. 01/15/23
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2. The potential for obtaining reve nues from forfeitures shall not override fundamental considerations such as
public safety, the safety of law enforcement officers, or the i nvestigation and prosecution of criminal activity.
In all seizures made under the FCFA, members shall adhere to fe deral and state constitutional limitations
regarding an individual’s right to be free from unreasonable se arches and seizures, including but not limited to,
the illegal use of stops based on a pretext, coercive-consent s earches, or a search based solely upon an
individual’s race or ethnicity.
D. PROPERTY SUBJECT TO SEIZURE
1. Any contraband article, vessel, motor vehicle, aircraft, curren cy, other personal property, or real property used
in violation of any provision of the FCFA, or in, upon, or by m eans of which any violation of the FCFA has
taken or is taking place, may b e seized and shall be forfeited subject to the provisions of the FCFA.
2. Contraband article include s, but is not limited to:
a. Any controlled substance as define d in Chapter 893 or any subst ance, device, paraphernalia, or currency or
other means of exchange that was used, was attempted to be used , or was intended to be used in violation
of any provision of Chapter 893