The police department is required to establish regulations detailing the collection, storage, and inventory of property which may come under its control by any manner.

(Code 2022)

Any property which has been acquired or turned over to the police department and has been classified in accordance with procedures existing in the police department as unclaimed or for which the proper owner cannot be ascertained shall be kept for a minimum of 90 days. After a period of 90 days, such property, except as provided in section 10-203, shall be sold at public auction to the highest bidder and the proceeds after expenses shall be paid to the city general fund.

(Code 2022)

Certain property, described in the city’s Surplus Property Disposal Policy, shall be disposed of in the manner described therein.

(Code 2022)

The police department shall be required to make reasonable attempts to locate the owner of any property in storage. However, the responsibility for claiming and identifying any such property shall rest solely with the owner.

(Code 2022)

Claimants to any property in police storage shall be required to present reasonable proof of ownership and no property shall be released unless such reasonable proof is presented.

(Code 2022)

At such time as it has been determined that an auction is necessary to dispose of unclaimed property, an inventory listing all property to be disposed of shall be prepared and kept on file in the police department. Notice of an auction shall be published at least twice in a general circulation newspaper prior to the date of the auction. The notice shall specify the date, time and place of the auction and shall also notify prospective buyers or potential claimants that a list of items to be auctioned is available at the police department and any claims on property must be made prior to the start of the auction.

(Code 2022)