January 16, 2003

RELEASE IMMEDIATELY

CONTACT:
Lt. Dave O’Donnell
Richmond Police Department
(510) 620-6563

RICHMOND POLICE INITIATE NEW PROGRAM TO SEIZE VEHICLES INVOLVED IN DRUGS SALES AND SOLICITATION OF PROSTITUTION

Police say program has been successful in other bay area cities

Seized vehicles may be forfeited and sold

Richmond Police got the green light Tuesday night when the City Council approved the first reading of the Vehicle Seizure and Forfeiture ordinance designed to allow officers to confiscate vehicles used by people who try to buy controlled substances or solicit acts of prostitution in the City of Richmond.

“This ordinance will send a strong message to drug users and those who attempt to solicit prostitution in the City of Richmond,” said Richmond Police Lt. Dave O’Donnell.  “The Police Department and our residents will not allow this type of nuisance activity to deteriorate our communities and rob us of the safe and drug-free streets and neighborhoods that we deserve.”

Richmond Police say people who use vehicles to buy drugs and solicit acts of prostitution create a nuisance and cause a negative impact on the quality of life in neighborhoods where these acts occur.  Seizing vehicles from people who come into neighborhoods to acquire illegal drugs or solicit acts of prostitution will create a legal deterrent to this kind of destructive activity.

The ordinance also provides for vehiclesto be forfeited and sold upon proof that the vehicle was used for the purpose of buying controlled substances or soliciting acts of prostitution.  Funds from the sale of those vehicles may be distributed to local law enforcement, the City Attorney or the District Attorney.

Richmond Police say the City of Oakland has a similar ordinance that has withstood all court challenges since it was implemented in 1998.  The City of Stockton also has a similar program.  The ordinance will be presented to the City Council next week for a second reading. Once it is adopted, it is expected to become effective in thirty days.

For more information, please contact Lt Dave O’Donnell, at (510) 620-6563.