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Property and Evidence

The Property and Evidence Section receives, stores, and disposes of all property and evidence that is submitted by department members. Members of Property and Evidence are responsible for maintaining the chain of custody and disposing of evidence and property based on statutory limitations or court order. They notify property owners when items are released and ready to be claimed.

The Property and Evidence Section is also responsible for stocking, issuing, and tracking uniforms and equipment issued to department members.

How to Arrange for the Return of Your Property

If your property was collected and has not been submitted as evidence, you may call our office to set up an appointment to obtain your property. A valid picture identification, such as a driver's license or ID card, that shows a current address and your date of birth, will need to be presented at the time you retrieve your property.

If your property has been submitted as evidence, it can only be released with permission from the detective or state attorney handling the case. Once the authorization for release has been obtained, you may call the Property and Evidence Section to set up an appointment. You will need a picture ID, as indicated above, to retrieve your property.

If you are unable to claim your property yourself, you may authorize a family member/friend to pick it up for you. They must present an official notarized letter from you, giving them permission to do so. They must also present a valid picture identification, such as a driver's license or ID card that shows a current address and date of birth when they come to claim your property.

Release of Firearms

There are certain requirements for releasing firearms back to the public. FDLE Background and ATF checks will be conducted. If you have been convicted of a felony or a domestic violence crime, or the judge has ordered you not to possess a firearm, your firearm will NOT be released back to you under any circumstances. Depending on the outcome of the background checks a court order may be required for the return of the firearm. For information on how to claim your firearm regarding other situations, you may call our office.