Property & Evidence Unit

GENERAL INFORMATION 

The Property & Evidence Unit consists of one Supervisor, one Senior Police Technician, and two Police Technicians. The Unit is led by Supervising Identification Technician Bob Douglas. 

The Property & Evidence Unit is responsible for inventory control of all property and evidence booked into the Visalia Police Department's Evidence Rooms. The Unit receives, catalogs, organizes, safely stores, researches, purges, and maintains the integrity of evidence, found property, and property for safekeeping. The Unit is also responsible for the issuance and inventory control of equipment and supplies for the officers at the Visalia Police Department.

When property and evidence is cleared for disposition, it is returned to its owner/finder or destroy in compliance with the law.  Persons authorized to receive such property and evidence will be notified by mail.  

RELEASE OF PROPERTY

If you have received a notification to pick up your property, please call to make an appointment. No property will be released until it has been cleared and authorized.  Additionally, no property will be released without an appointment.

ID - Identification is necessary to pick up your property. Bring official valid photo identification with you at the time of your appointment (driver's license, state ID card, passport, military ID card or immigration card).

Next of Kin - Bring the following documentation with you at the time of your appointment.  Proof of next of kin, certified copy of decedents, death certificate (at least 40 days must have elapsed since death), estate rights, and/or an affidavit or declaration which complies with California Probate Code 13101.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

If I find and turn in any other property (i.e., money, jewelry, etc.), may I claim it later?

Yes, with the exception of firearms and illegal items, any other property turned in as found property may be returned to the finder.  There is a 90 day waiting period during which the owner may claim lost property. After 90 days has passed, the reporting party (finder) may claim the property.

I have a court order that requires VPD to return my property.  Why do I still need an appointment?

By law, the Visalia Police Department is allowed 10 days to return property upon receipt of a court order. This allows the investigating officer to be notified of the order and to determine if the property is still needed for the investigation. If so, the investigator may contact the court and notify a judge why the property should remain in the custody of the Visalia Police Department. The judge then makes a determination whether the property should be returned or remain in police custody.

Why does it take so long for me to get my property back?

Property booked in as evidence of a crime is held for 60 days past the date of sentencing or dismissal. If no charges are filed, property is held until the statute of limitations has expired (three years for most felony cases, one year for misdemeanor cases) or the investigator of the case authorizes the release of the property, whichever is sooner.

 RELEASE OF FIREARMS

Once the Visalia Police Department has determined that a firearm is available for release, you will be sent a notification to pick-up the firearm. The individual seeking the return of the firearm must then submit a Law Enforcement Gun Release Application to the Department of Justice (PC 12021.3). The application is available online at www.ag.ca.gov/firearms or by calling (916) 263-4887. The application form will instruct you how to obtain a firearm eligibility clearance. It may take up to 30 days to process the application. If granted, the determination notice will be valid for 30 days from the date of the notice. You must bring this notice with you to your appointment.

AUCTIONS

The Visalia Police Department currently contracts with a private auction company for disposition of useable items of value.  Visit their website by clicking here. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Firearms only: (559) 713-4127
All other property and evidence: (559) 713-4415