Pressure is on for more police transparency. But NJ delayed database showing seized property

As the public demands ways to police the police and examine department funding, New Jersey delayed the launch of a new resource to track cash and property seized and kept by law enforcement.

Starting Oct. 1 under a bill Gov. Phil Murphy signed (S1963), the state Attorney General’s office was supposed to have an online searchable database of seized and forfeited property, a treasure trove of information that is meant to ensure cops don't wrongfully take property from innocent people.

Pressure is on for more police transparency. But NJ delayed database showing seized property 478e678d-2828-44d8-abdf-784c0debbc3d-Chief_Walker

Pressure is on for more police transparency. But NJ delayed database showing seized property 478e678d-2828-44d8-abdf-784c0debbc3d-Chief_Walker

:oinky:

But now it's unclear when the public will be able to see this data that also tracks how agencies use the forfeited funds. The state said it was struggling to find the resources to build the public database during the coronavirus pandemic.

Murphy signed an executive order in July that postponed the deadline to three months after the end of a public health emergency, a moving goalpost as the governor has renewed the 30-day period emergency seven times so far.

Police and prosecutors say asset forfeiture helps deter crime, takes resources away from criminals and give funds to community programs, and law enforcement training and equipment.

Critics say it creates a perverse financial incentive for law enforcement, which can use the property or cash to fund their departments, especially during budget crunches. They also argue that people of color or with lower incomes are disproportionately targeted, and have little recourse to get their property back — even after not being convicted of a crime — because hiring a lawyer is too expensive.

https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/new-jersey/2020/10/02/nj-police-transparency-state-delayed-database-showing-seized-property/5494310002/
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Pressure is on for more police transparency. But NJ delayed database showing seized property

Pressure is on for more police transparency. But NJ delayed database showing seized property

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