Property and Evidence on Your Agency’s Website

Following last week’s theme in which organization assists efficiency, I’d like to present another efficiency-endorsing tool: a clear and concise web page on your agency’s public website.

A link to the agency’s site increases the professional “look” of your Property and Evidence Unit and the manner in which your agency is represented on the web and thus, to the public. 

A well-designed web page will speed communication and allow your officers to offer a “quick link” for the citizenry and hopefully, circumvent unnecessary phone calls that can interrupt an otherwise productive day. Your property and evidence unit phone system can refer callers to the website for “Detailed Instructions” on how to obtain any Property or Evidence in the custody of your agency, your hours of operation, and key links to other websites (such as the Department of Justice Firearms Unit, e.g.).

Topics you might consider on your web page include:

• Hours of operation 
• Found property
• Property held for safekeeping
• Firearms
• Information on required documents needed prior to any property release such as,  government photo identification, storage fees, prisoner waivers
• Links to other websites, auctioneers, and other government forms or documents.

Creating and Maintaining the Web Page

Other pointers for a professional, up-to-date page include:

• Professionally worded information is key.  Have several individuals check for spelling and grammar. Remember, you’re representing your agency.
• Schedule regular reviews of all information to ensure relevancy.
• Review other agencies’ websites and speak to counterparts for ideas about what information they offer.

As Always, Begin with Your Department Policy

As per usual, I would be remiss if I neglected to mention that a well-written department policy will always speak to all aspects that govern the agency including the use of the agency website. 

The Policy may include many things, but should specify who in the agency has permission to upload information, what information is held on the website and how often it is reviewed for relevancy.

In Closing

We are always looking for feedback, so please let us know what has worked well for you and if you’d like to offer a particular tool that will help others in this unique field.