The Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) was initially established as an administrative unit to track money, vehicles, real property, and other items of value seized in drug investigations. As the unit evolved, the department assigned investigators to the unit to provide additional support for property seizures and to conduct proactive investigations of targeted drug traffickers. In 1988, officials reorganized the AFU into five separate functions: local case management, vehicle forfeitures, real property forfeitures, Federal case management, and investigations. Asset forfeiture represents a new role for law enforcement, and the Chicago Police Department's AFU exemplifies an effective, comprehensive forfeiture program that taps the full potential of both State and Federal forfeiture law. A forfeiture investigation checklist is provided, along with recommendations for major drug investigations. 1 endnote