February Firearm Tip

If a firearm appears to be involved in a suicide or attempted suicide, it must be entered into the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System as a “Crime Gun”.

You may also contact the California Department of Justice Firearms Unit for further information at 916.263.4887 or visit their website.

Firearms Top the List

Last week in our Certification course, we discussed a number of complex issues. It was interesting to note that firearm processing easily topped the list as nearly every participant’s main concern. In the months to come, my blog will highlight firearm tips to assist your firearm processing.

Tip of the Month

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives  offers a “Tip of the Month” that can often be very useful to those in law enforcement, especially those employees working in the Property and Evidence Room who are managing the intake and disposal of firearms on a daily basis. Read more about it on the ATF website.

Keeping Pace with Pot

Despite the state’s ongoing financial crisis, the medical marijuana war wages on, with supporters confident of raising the millions it will take to continue promoting their cause.  

This recent article from the Sacramento Bee offers an up-to-date review of the high-profile issue.

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.

Surprising News from the US Supreme Court

“In a rare defeat for law enforcement, the Supreme Court unanimously agreed on Monday to bar police from installing GPS technology to track suspects without first getting a judge's approval.” (Read the complete article from ABC News here.)

For more information on the search warrant process, see http://www.leginfo.ca.gov or California Penal Code Sections 1523-1542.

Out with the Old, In with the New

Be it your new year’s resolution or early spring cleaning, it’s great to keep in mind services like PropertyRoom.com that help you to clean out old property and put the income back into your department.

PropertyRoom.com’s service is quick, efficient, and now even allows for FedEx to pick up your smaller boxed items. It’s a great way to purge your property and evidence rooms on a monthly basis, as well as avoid the fuel surcharge.

As a side note, their barcode system is beyond reproach. It works so well to track all your items quickly and easily during an audit.