Evidence and Property

Evidence/Property FAQ’s

 

  • What is the evidence function?
  • Appointment Policy
  • How do I report lost or missing property?
  • How can I find my lost or stolen property?
  • When can I claim my property taken as evidence?
  • Release of firearms
  • DNA collection
  • What should I bring when I come to pick up my property?
  • Can someone else pick-up my property?
  • Contact us

What is the Evidence Unit’s function?

The Evidence Unit stores evidence, property submitted for safekeeping, and found property for the Sheriff’s Office and our law enforcement partners. Evidence Officers are responsible for maintaining and protecting the chain of custody for items seized for evidentiary purposes. 

Appointment Policy

An appointment is required to pick-up property from the Evidence Unit.  Once you have been notified, call the Evidence Unit at (564) 397-2059 to schedule an appointment.  If you are unable to make your scheduled appointment time, please contact our office to reschedule. 

How do I report lost, stolen, or found items?

To report an item(s) stolen, found, or lost in Clark County, please call the Clark Regional Emergency Service Agency’s non-emergency line at 564-693-3111 or the Sheriff’s Office online reporting system at www.clark.wa.gov/sheriff. 

How can I find my lost or stolen property?

The best way to find property once lost or stolen is to have up-to-date records, pictures, or videos noting the serial number. Unique numbers make identifying and matching items to the rightful owner simpler, as a national database tracks stolen and recovered items via serial number once they are reported lost, stolen, or found. 

However, if this information is not available, a detailed description and a general idea of when and where the property was lost or stolen will help. 

The Evidence Unit holds found property for 60 days, after which time it may be disposed of. Personal items, such as drivers’ licenses or credit cards, are destroyed, or, in the case of passports or mail, they are returned to the proper government agency. 

To inquire if the evidence unit is in possession of your property, please be prepared to answer the following questions.

  • Name and date of birth  
  • What is the property and description?
  • Does it have a serial number?
  • Where and when was it lost or stolen?
  • Did you report it lost or stolen, and if so, what is your report number?

The Evidence Unit will make every attempt to return property to the rightful owners(s).  If an item is turned in where it can be traced back to an individual by name, phone number, address, or serial number, an Evidence Officer will attempt to contact the owner via postcard to arrange for the return. 

When can I claim my property taken as evidence?

For all evidence in which a person has been arrested/cited, we must receive a prosecutor’s release confirming the items for return and to whom.  They may not immediately release items pending further investigation or appeals. 

Upon closure of the report(s) and receiving the required release, an owner will be notified by mail to make an appointment to return their property; an owner has 60 days to pick up his/her property. If your mailing address changes, notify the Evidence Unit at (564) 397-2059 so the notification letter is sent to the right address.

What should I bring when I pick up my property?

  1. You are required to make an appointment. Call (564) 397-2059 to schedule a date and time.
  2. Valid government-issued photo identification (driver’s license, state-issued ID card, military ID, or passport).  Expired identification will not be accepted. 
  3. Your report number 

If there are special circumstances regarding the pick-up of your property, please advise us when you make your appointment. 

Can someone else pick up my property?

If you would like someone else to pick up your property, they must have a notarized letter from you stating they have authorization to receive it. 

When there is a deceased owner, please call the Evidence Unit at (564)-397-2059 to discuss the process and paperwork required. 

Release of Firearms

The Sheriff’s Office must follow the firearm laws of the State of Washington and Federal firearm laws restricting their possession.  The owner will undergo a criminal history and mental health check, as well as checks for pending charges or restraining orders.  This process can take up to two weeks or longer if additional research is needed. 

When the firearm is releasable, the Evidence Unit will notify the owner by mail.  To begin the process, follow the directions outlined in the notification letter. 

DNA Collection

First, determine where you need to have your DNA taken. The police department that arrested you will take your DNA. Contact them for further instructions. 

If the arresting agency was the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, follow the steps below. 

  1. Call to make an appointment with the Evidence Unit (564) 397-2059. 
  2. Bring the court-certified, paper copy of your judgment and sentence.  As well as valid government-issued photo identification.  Expired identification will not be accepted. 
  3. Do not eat or drink anything 10 minutes before your appointment. 

 

Contact the Evidence Unit

Clark County Sheriff’s Office
Evidence Unit
P.O. Box 410
Vancouver, WA  98660
(564) 397-2059