Proposal Launched To Help Cops And Schools Get More Of Seized Assets

A task force of education leaders and law enforcement officials looking into how to get more money for schools in the state through the seizure of crime assets has endorsed a plan that would reimburse police agencies the cost of investigating a crime… and then split the remaining amount 50-50 with a state school fund. Eric Zahnd, Platte County Prosecuting Attorney, says this will help schools while protecting property owners and reimbursing police for their work. Currently, state and local law enforcement agencies have to give 100 percent of the proceeds to the school fund. However, if they bring in federal agents, the cops can get 80 to 90 percent of the proceeds, but it can take longer and the money is not guarranteed. Proponents say while 50 percent is a smaller share, it will be more reliable from police departments to try to get money from than the feds.