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EVIDENCE DIVISION FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBLITIES
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The Evidence Division's primary function is the collection, processing and preservation of all
evidence related to arrests or criminal investigations. This division also works closely
with the prosecutors offices to ensure that all evidence is available for hearings and trials.
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In addition to evidence related to crimes, the evidence division also accepts and stores found property until the owner can be located. If you have recently
lost property, you can submit a notification which will be kept on file for six months or view the listing of
found and held property at the bottom of this page. Note that misplaced items of value, credit cards, checks
or items that may have been stolen should reported to an on-duty officer as this notification does not result in an official report being generated. It is further
recommended that insurance companies and financial institutions should also be notified when applicable.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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When can I get my property seized as evidence back?
Personal property which has been seized in the course of an investigation of a crime is considered evidence and will be held by this agency until
such time as the case has been adjudicated and the appeal period has lapsed. The only exceptions are listed below:
- The property was taken into our care as a public service and will be returned upon request
- The prosecuting attorney notifies this agency in writing that the property should be returned to the owner.
- Illegal contraband, paraphernalia or hazardous materials will be destroyed in accordance with state laws.
- Money or vehicles related to a drug offense may be permanently seized if so ordered by the court.
State laws require that persons retrieving evidence provide picture identification and, in some cases, proof of ownership. If you are unable to
retrieve your property in person, you may designate someone else to do it for you. However, that person must have a signed consent letter
and picture identification. Due to the paperwork involved in evidence retrieval, it is recommended that you make an appointment with the
evidence technician.
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What affect can forensic processing have on my property?
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While every precaution is taken to safeguard property in our care, there is a certain risk of damage associated with the exposure to chemicals and
powders during the course of forensic analysis. Typically, the owner of the property is advised of this risk when the property is seized.
However, in the course of investigation, unanticipated analysis may need to be performed by either this or other agencies.
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Certain surfaces and items are particularly susceptable to damage during forensic processing. This would include:
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 Any cloth, fabric, upholstery or carpet may be permanently stained
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Electronic devices may be damaged beyond repair by powders
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Documents may be stained or "washed" by chemical treatments
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Property owners must weigh the monetary or emotional value of an item versus the potential of gathering enough forensic evidence to prosecute a case.
Our crime scene technicians and detectives take this into account when processing scenes and can assist in this decision making process.
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It should also be noted that this agency often does only preliminary forensic analysis and then forwards the evidence to other agencies such as the Idaho State
Police or Federal Bureau of Investigation for final analysis.
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What happens to unclaimed property or evidence?
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With a few exceptions, most unclaimed evidence is either destroyed, used by this
agency or sold at public auction.
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Any item that is illegal by its very nature (certain weapons, drugs and drug papraphernalia),
is in very poor condition or has any personal information is disposed of in accordance with
Idaho State Code.
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Any items that can be used by this agency in our efforts to combat crime are seized and put to
good use. This saves our Department and, by extension, the City tax-payer money.
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When we accumulate enough unclaimed property or evidence, we turn it over to
Prime Time Auctions
for sale to the public. A calendar of upcoming auctions can be found on their
web site. Proceeds from the auction go into a fund used to train officers and
other employees. Firearms are auctioned to licensed gun dealers per Idaho State Code.
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Note: Unclaimed property and evidence is legally abandoned after six months. If you have questions,
contact the Evidence Division.
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My guns, money and / or vehicle were seized, now what?
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If your guns, money and / or vehicle were seized in relation to a drug offense, paperwork has been filed with the Bannock County Prosecutors Office for a civil
hearing. Under Idaho State Code, the arresting agency can seize assets used in commision of a drug crime permanently. The decision as to
whether your property will be returned or seized is made by a judge at the civil hearing. Contact the Bannock County Prosecutor for the hearing date.
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If your gun was used in a crime or the ownership of "your" money is contested or your vehicle is deemed to be evidence in a crime, your property will be returned
to you when the criminal process has run its course and a court order has been handed down by a judge. In summary, if their is an active criminal case
against you involving your property as evidence, this agency will not release your property to you.
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Idaho State Code also has some strict rules regarding the release of firearms. You are not allowed to be in possession of a firearm if you are a convicted felon
or have an active Domestic Violence Order. If you need to retrieve a firearm from us, bring picture identification and be prepared to have a criminal background
check.
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There are absolutely no exceptions to the above listed points regarding the retrieval of your property. Please follow the correct legal channels to get your
property returned.
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More Frequently asked questions and answers
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FOUND OR HELD PROPERTY CURRENTLY IN EVIDENCE
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| BRIEF DESCRIPTION: | LOCATION FOUND: | OWNER* : |
| Blue Colored Mongoose Bike | Smiths Food King | |
| Baseball Glove | Ellis Elementary | |
| Magna Mountain Bike | 100 Block of Adams | |
| Yellow Tow Strap | Quinn and Hawthorne | |
| Black Mountain Bike | Canal Berm | |
| Mongoose mountain bike | 813 Brundage | |
| Blue/ White Haro Bike | Cotant Park | |
| Sunglasses | CPD Lobby | |
| Stereo speaker covers | 500 E Chubbuck Rd | |
| Red Haro Bike | Galena | |
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* Note: If a name is associated with found or held property, the owner is known but all efforts to contact that person have been unsuccessful. If
you believe any of the above property is yours, contact evidence by email or phone. Found or held property is legally abandoned if unclaimed
after a six month period.
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