Minn. panels to look at criminal forfeiture laws

St. Paul, Minn. (AP) — Five legislative panels meet Thursday to examine Minnesota's laws on forfeiture and seizure of property involved in crimes.

The handling of seized property is getting new scrutiny after a probe found that officers with the Metro Gang Strike Force took televisions and jewelry and seized cash from people with no gang ties. The gang-fighting unit has been disbanded.

A legislative audit also found that the gang unit lacked internal controls over seized and forfeited property and cash.

The Capitol hearing will feature testimony from county attorneys, law enforcement, public defenders and groups promoting civil liberties and private property rights.