D.C. Council to Overhaul How Police Seize Money, Property

The D.C. Council is seeking to overhaul the way city police seize money and property for people who aren't charged with crimes.

The council will take an initial vote Tuesday on a bill that would prevent assets seized by police from going directly to the department. Instead, the money would go to the city's general fund.

The District of Columbia's chief financial officer says making that change will ultimately cost the city $670,000 in revenue every year because federal law requires that assets seized under a federal program go directly to law enforcement. Councilmember Tommy Wells says it creates the appearance of a slush fund when police agencies directly benefit from forfeiture.

The bill is on the council's consent agenda, which means it has unanimous support.