Pubdate: Fri, 24 Jul 2015
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution (GA)
Copyright: 2015 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Contact:  http://www.ajc.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/28
Author: Patty Durand

SHERIFFS OBSTRUCT MEANINGFUL REFORM

I think it is appalling that state Rep. Alex Atwood views House Bill 
233, the Georgia Uniform Civil Forfeiture Procedure Act, as the best 
Georgia's elected leadership can do for its citizens ("Civil 
forfeiture reform at last," Opinion, July 17). Is a uniform report 
that state agencies must complete really the only step forward? If 
so, that is pathetic. What Rep. Atwood's piece did not say was 
Georgia sheriffs are exempt from efforts to rein in their abuses.

Since only state law enforcement agencies are bound by the new law, 
not sheriffs, the forced removal of personal property on the side of 
the road from the whim of a Georgia sheriff will continue. This is 
why the Georgia Sheriff's Association allowed this bill to pass while 
defeating all other bills that might have made a real difference. As 
a Georgia taxpaying citizen and past police officer, I view the 
Sheriff's Association as extremely bad actors and am truly 
disappointed no one at the Georgia Legislature could pass real reform.

PATTY DURAND, ATLANTA
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