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The Effects Of Asset Forfeiture On Policing: A Panel Approach

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Listed:
  • Brian D. Kelly
  • Maureen Kole

Abstract

type="main" xml:id="ecin12232-abs-0001"> Asset forfeiture has proven highly controversial in the United States since its expansion in 1984. Most contentious is the widespread policy that allows police agencies to keep the assets seized, which both proponents and critics assert changes police behavior. From newly developed panel data sets, we find some statistical support for the proposition that police agencies change the intensity and pattern of policing in response to forfeiture. However, in economic terms these effects are very weak and do not support the proposition that forfeiture provides vital funds and incentives for crime policing. (JEL H39, H71, K42)

Suggested Citation

  • Brian D. Kelly & Maureen Kole, 2016. "The Effects Of Asset Forfeiture On Policing: A Panel Approach," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 54(1), pages 558-575, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ecinqu:v:54:y:2016:i:1:p:558-575
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1111/ecin.2016.54.issue-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    3. Yahagi, Ken, 2021. "Law enforcement with motivated agents," International Review of Law and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 66(C).

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • H39 - Public Economics - - Fiscal Policies and Behavior of Economic Agents - - - Other
    • H71 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law

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