FRANKLIN, Ind. – Local law enforcement agencies are bracing for monetary cuts as the Department of Justice will stop the federal forfeiture program.
The program disperses money collected during police raids that involve collaboration with federal agents. It allotted an additional $55 million to police agencies in Indiana.
Johnson County Sheriff Doug Cox said his agency participated in raids that he assumed would result in money coming back to the department.
“We planned to replace laptops in the police cars that are 15-years-old, or other things like equipment for undercover officers” Cox said. “With that program coming to an end, we no longer have that money coming in. The loss of those kind of funds will not only hurt my agency but others throughout Indiana.”
The decision forces departments like the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office to turn to local government and tax dollars for new equipment.
“We enjoy working with the FBI, DEA and U.S. Marshals so this is not us taking a shot at them. We are just a little disappointed in Washington, D.C. and what they plan to do with these funds,” Cox commented.
Local News Digital reporter Steven Harmeyer: