The Florida Contraband forfeiture Act, sections 932.701-707, Florida Statutes, authorizes the Hialeah Police Department, to seize and forfeit any property, real or personal, which has been used, is being used, was intended to be used, or was acquired with proceeds in violation of any provision of the act.

It is the policy of the Hialeah Police Department to utilize the forfeiture provision to the fullest extent possible as a deterrent to criminal behavior, but which also recognizes and protects the rights of innocent owners. Proceeds from these cases are used to support crime prevention and drug awareness programs (i.e.,. Dare, Police Cadets) and for authorized law enforcement purposes.

The Forfeiture Unit reviews and investigated all initial reports of forfeiture seizures. The Unit services as a liaison between the Hialeah Police Department and the City’s Law Department by assessing, investigating, and preparing those cases for presentation to the City Attorney’s Office for legal action.

In accordance with the Act, police officers seize contraband, which has been or is being used in violation of the law. Such property includes, but is not limited to currency, motor vehicles, boats, aircraft, any type of personal property or real property as provided by law.