Property and Evidence Unit
Have you ever wondered where all that “stuff” goes after a major crime scene investigation or a search warrant?
Every police department has to have a Property and Evidence section. Items are seized at a scene by officers or the Crime Scene Technician and are transported back to the MPD. Each item has to be properly packaged, labeled and logged according to stringent policies and procedures. The items are then verified, bar coded and stored in the appropriate areas of the building by the Evidence Technician. For example, blood must be stored in a refrigerator; guns and drugs in safes, etc.
A drying cabinet is used for items that may be wet, for example, with blood from a homicide scene. Wet items must be dried first or they have the potential to mold. This would result in health issues for anyone who would handle them. Therefore, all items must be dried before packaging and storing.
On another, but related note, the MPD recommends that citizens make a list of all their serialized property (TV, stereo, bikes, DVD, etc.) and store it in a safe place, such as a safe deposit box. In the event of a theft, this list can be forwarded to the police and/or insurance company. Serial numbers of stolen property can then be entered into the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database. Information entered into this system assists law enforcement agencies across the country in locating and returning stolen property to its rightful owner.
Please rest assured that all serial numbers of found property are run through the NCIC system searching for a related stolen entry. So you can see it is imperative to report any personal property when it is stolen but especially those with serial numbers. We want to get your belongings back to you!
For questions or to make an appointment to pick up items please call: 520/316.6868 or 520/316.6877.
Our hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you are instructed to pick up property from the P/E Unit, please call to make an appointment.