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.

Correcting Confiscated Currency

Ever wondered what to do with damaged or mutilated currency? Not long ago, a suspect under the influence of narcotics decided to dispose of his drug money by digesting it as responding officers arrived on scene. Fortunately, the officers were able to "recover" the evidence, but needless to say, it was not suitable for recirculation. 

In accordance with department policy, we forwarded the mutilated currency to the U.S. Department of the Treasury for replacement. To read more about how their services can aid you and your agency, visit their website.

What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas?

The Transportation Security Administration seems to have “bitten off” more criticism over the holiday weekend in Las Vegas, when an airport security officer took a passenger's frosted cupcake because he thought its vanilla-bourbon icing could be a “security risk”.

After reading this article, thoughts of what TSA’s Property and Evidence Room might look like came to mind and I am hoping they have a well-developed photographic policy for “perishables”.

Rightfully so, many prosecutors will frown on the release of any property/evidence in their cases. However, the storage of perishables in the Property and Evidence Room is ill-advised. 

When developing your “Perishables” policies consider the following:

• Prosecutor approval
• Homicide or major crime?
• Photographs with a line of measurement to reflect the size and shape
• Use a department approved/trained photographer
• Comprehensive case report articulating the confiscation and control of the property/evidence
• Forensic lab analysis prior to disposal
• Dispose of item(s) according to department policy and the law.

Pennsylvania Man Asks Officer: "Can I Have My Weed Back?"

A defense attorney's argument that a bag of marijuana uncovered during a Pennsylvania traffic stop could have belonged to a man other than his client has unraveled after the arresting officer recalled the suspect asking him: "Can I have my weed back?"

While it appears unlikely that the subject mentioned in this recent news article will get his “weed back”, he is not the only one confused about marijuana.

Make no mistake: federal law prohibits the use and cultivation of marijuana.  Certain states, including California, however, have successfully passed legislation that provides citizens with access to possessing “legalized” medicinal marijuana.  

Some agencies are complying fully with federal law while others have required the possessor to present a valid court order prior to releasing any confiscated medicinal marijuana, as defined in the California Health and Safety code. Confusion continues to prevail on this topic; as the evidence custodian, there’s little you can do to change that. Here are some safe routes to take:

• Follow your department policy at all times;
• Safeguard your health; ensure that your narcotics vault is equipped with proper ventilation;
• Confirm you are following current packaging guidelines.

Read more about it…

www.fda.gov  Cached - SimilarYou +1'd this publicly. Undo

www.leginfo.ca.gov/calaw.html

www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/mmp

There's a Reason for Your Digital Media Policy

Every agency should have a policy for digital media. The tragic details of one family’s nightmare when accident scene photos of their teen daughter were leaked to the internet serves as our vivid reminder.

Any well-crafted policy will govern:

• Downloading and archiving all digital media, including still, audio and video;
• Retrieving media for review for follow-up and/or report writing;
• Department equipment use and maintenance, including settings;
• Verification of file size before and after downloading media;
• Documentation and photographer;
• Saving, altering, deleting;
• Approved and acceptable formats for district attorney;
• Proprietary media;
• Duplication and release; 
• Fee schedule;
• Storage, retention, and disposal.

That this family continues to suffer through their tragedy should press all those responsible for collecting, retaining and distributing photos for evidentiary value to follow their agency’s digital media policy.