The permissible use policy states that a state or local law enforcement agency may use not more than 15 percent of its shared monies for the costs associated with drug abuse treatment, drug and crime prevention education, housing and job skills programs or other nonprofit community-based programs or activities, which are formally approved by the chief law enforcement officer (i.e., chief, sheriff, or prosecutor) as being supportive of and consistent with a law enforcement effort, policy, and/or initiative.

The United States Attorney in the district where an applicant for benefits under the permissible use policy, or one of its principals, is located, or where it or one of its principals is operating, shall determine whether the applicant or principal currently is the subject of grand jury proceedings or other prosecutorial scrutiny in that district, and the United States Attorney shall notify the federal investigative agency of the findings, and also shall notify the chief law enforcement officer involved (unless non-disclosure is required by federal law or to safeguard a federal investigation in progress). See A Guide to Equitable Sharing of Federally Forfeited Property for State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies.

[new May 2010]