Property & Evidence

Our evidence technicians are non-sworn civilian employees with specialized training in property and evidence management. They perform a wide variety of responsible, technical and professional duties involved in receiving, storing and the movement of evidence as part of the investigative and prosecution process of the police department.

Evidence Technicians Responsibilities

Evidence technicians manage the movement of property into and out of evidence to preserve the chain of custody. They assume responsibility for the proper packaging and preservation of the property and evidence submitted. Evidence technicians maintain files, daily logs and prepare court orders for the lawful destruction and release of property and evidence. Other duties include the inventory of all property, monies and narcotics.

Release of Property/Evidence

• Evidence: Items collected in connection with a crime. Evidence is retained until a final disposition has been administered by the court (conviction, dismissal, etc.) involving all parties charged in that case. The assigned officer or investigator must authorize the release of evidence from cases. 
• Safekeeping: Items taken and stored with the intent to return the property to its rightful owner. For instance, if you have a medical emergency while riding your bicycle and must be transported by ambulance to the hospital, officers will secure your bicycle in Property & Evidence under the heading of safekeeping. This also includes property not being held as evidence in the prosecution of a crime. Items being held for the safekeeping of a known owner will be held for 90 days upon receipt of the owner being sent a certified letter about their property being in possession of the Carrollton Police Department.
• Found: Items found or abandoned. Found property placed into Property and Evidence that has an unknown owner will only be held for 30 days and then disposed of. Property that is found and has owner information will be contacted by officers if possible; if contact is not made by officers, a certified letter will be mailed to the last known address for notification and held for 90 days per the safekeeping policy after receipt is received. 
  • Note: There is not a “finders-keepers” rule or law in Texas. If you find property not belonging to you, does not mean you will get to claim it. 

Release of Firearms

The release of firearms process varies depending on why it is being held in police custody.

•  Firearm being held as Evidence:
  •  A court order must be obtained for release on all weapons related charges
• Firearm being held as Safekeeping:
  • Depending on the circumstances, proof of ownership will need to be provided in the form of a bill of sale or the original box the gun was purchased in.

All firearm releases require a criminal background which must be completed before being able to schedule an appointment to pick up the item(s).

Firearm releases will only be completed by appointment only.

Address

2001 E Jackson Rd, Carrollton, TX 75006

Property Room Hours of Operation:

Monday-Friday 7AM – 5PM

Closed on Saturday and Sunday

Holidays and city closures may vary operating hours.

Phone: (972) 466-3557

Email: PDpropertyandevidence@cityofcarrollton.com