Property and Evidence

Overview

The Property and Evidence Division is responsible for the custody, documentation, and preservation of all property seized or obtained by the Placentia Police Department. Property can include items of evidence, found property, and items stored for safekeeping.

In addition to processing all property submitted to the Property and Evidence Division, members of this unit also respond as crime scene investigators to process crime scenes such as:

• Assaults
• Burglaries
• Robberies
• Traffic accidents

Release of Property

The Property and Evidence Division is governed by state law on all pieces of property. Property held as evidence will not be released unless the case has been concluded or a detective has authorized the release.

Property is released by appointment only. Please call (714) 993-8267 to make an appointment for property release or with any questions that need to be answered. In order to have property released, you will need photo identification and may need to provide proof of ownership.

Firearms

California Penal Code Section 33850 states that any person who claims title to any firearm that is in the custody or control of a law enforcement agency and who wishes to have the firearm returned to him or her shall apply to the Department of Justice for determination of eligibility to posses a firearm.

If you wish to claim your firearm(s), you will need to apply with the Department of Justice (DOJ) for a firearm eligibility clearance. The application form will instruct you how to obtain a clearance. You can obtain an application by either calling the Bureau of Firearms at (916) 227-7527 or going to the DOJ Firearms Website.

Auction

All property that is eligible for auction is outsourced to a local auction company.