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Southaven authorizes DOJ equitable-sharing certification for police seized funds; board confirms funds are for law enforcement use only
Summary
The board authorized the mayor to sign a certification/participation agreement to maintain compliance with the Department of Justice/Treasury equitable-sharing program for seized funds; officials confirmed the funds are restricted to law-enforcement purposes.
The Southaven Mayor and Board of Aldermen approved authorization for the mayor to sign an equitable-sharing certification agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice and Treasury that allows the Southaven Police Department to participate in federal forfeiture-sharing programs.
City Attorney Nick Manley introduced the item as the equitable-sharing agreement and certification report, explaining it relates to seized funds and the department’s compliance with federal program requirements. Manley said the police chief had previously signed the paperwork and that city authorization was needed to maintain compliance and continue receiving equitable-sharing payments.
A board member asked whether those funds would be deposited in the general fund; officials clarified the funds are restricted to law enforcement purposes. As Manley summarized, the equitable-sharing proceeds “only [are] for law enforcement purposes.” The board moved, seconded and approved authorization for the mayor to sign the certification.
The action preserves the police department’s ability to receive equitable-sharing distributions while the department remains in compliance with DOJ/Treasury rules. The meeting record does not specify particular planned uses of any seized funds, only that the funds must be used for eligible law-enforcement expenses under the federal program.
