Note: The following is not to be construed as legal advice, but is simply a reference from a retired police evidence custodian. Please speak to a licensed attorney in your state with any questions regarding proper handling of property and evidence.
Each agency should set up a location in an "External" evidence room in JusticeONE Admin Portal dedicated to items that are returned to their rightful owner.
The location type, description, and barcode do not have to match what is here, this is imply an example. The important thing is that the location exists and is used for all property released to the rightful owner.
- Ensure that the item is legally eligible to be released (cases complete, no legal holds, item is not contraband, etc.).
- Identify owner by photo ID, scan/copy ID for case file.
- Perform any required background checks on owner for release of sensitive items, maintain copy of returns for case file.
- If owner is legally prohibited from receiving the item(s), discontinue process and consult city attorney for next steps.
- If owner is NOT prohibited from receiving the item, transfer the item as below:
- Find the item in evidence, click "Check Out" in the Actions Bar
- Complete the fields as appropriate, using the External RTO location in the top right field, then click "Save".
- Have the owner sign for receipt of the item(s) (red box) and then releaser signs as custodian (yellow box)
Make a copy of the receipt for the owner, then maintain the original for the case file.