Proper storage and handling of property and evidence is a key part of a law enforcement department’s responsibilities. A new manual from the Ohio Attorney General and the Ohio Auditor of State provides law enforcement officials with best practices on how to manage property and evidence.
Although the document is not meant to be a uniform model for every Ohio law enforcement agency, it provides departments the tools to run an effective property and evidence room with the flexibility needed to adapt to each agency’s unique circumstances.
According to the manual, developing a well-functioning property and evidence room is an intentional effort by an agency to create and follow policies and procedures designed to:
- Keep the property and evidence room secure.
- Preserve evidence and property according to existing laws, courtroom requirements, and agency retention schedules.
- Establish and maintain accurate documentation, including inventory and chain of custody records.
- Ensure the physical safety and legal compliance of all personnel.
The document also explores how agencies can use inventories and audits of property rooms to curb theft and expose lax procedures. It includes sample documents such as property room access logs, inventory tracking documents, currency envelopes, release authorization forms, and property tags.