Guidlines/manuals for asset forfieture (Jefferson Parish Sheriff)

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the the Louisiana Public Records Act, I hereby request the following records:

-A blank copy of any and all forms that the Sheriff's Department requires its deputies or officers to complete when seizing assets as part of an investigation. This should include any instructions pertinent to that form.

-Any documents laying out guidelines, rules or proper procedures for cases involving asset forfeiture or asset seizure by the sheriff's department. Specifically, I am looking for the Sheriff's Department's guide to properly documenting asset forfeitures/seizures.

As I am a journalist -- employed by MuckRock and the Boston Globe -- a request that all fees be waived. I intend to use any pertinent information I receive as a result of this request to educate the public.

I also request that, if appropriate, fees be waived as I believe this request is in the public interest. The requested documents will be made available to the general public free of charge as part of the public information service at MuckRock.com, processed by a representative of the news media/press and is made in the process of news gathering and not for commercial usage.

In the event that fees cannot be waived, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 3 business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Todd Feathers

Lt. Heno,

Your most recent message, sent on May 13, does not constitute an adequate response to my public records request.

The state statute in question (RS 40:2606) broadly describes only the asset forfeiture/seizure procedures a law enforcement agency must follow. It does not constitute the documents I requested. I specifically requested any internal JPSO guidelines or rules regarding asset seizures/forfeitures.

You have mentioned in our previous communications that documentation of asset seizures/forfeitures are kept in individual case files. I am asking for the guidelines/rules that deputies must follow in completing that documentation. I have also requested a blank copy of the asset seizure/forfeiture receipts -- or comparable form(s).

If the JPSO does not maintain any guidelines, rules or similar documents explaining how to properly seize and document seized assets, then please tell me that.

If the JPSO does have rules outlining proper asset seizure/forfeiture procedure, then please send them to me pursuant to my request and the Louisiana Public Records Act.

Thank you,
Todd Feathers