Property & Evidence

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How can I get my property back?

Property falls into several categories:

  • Recovered Stolen
  • Evidence
  • Destruction
  • Safekeeping
  • Found

Before the Police Department can release any property, it is first entered into a database, then processed according to the specific requirements for each category of property.

Recovered Stolen Property

Once the property is no longer needed as evidence for court, we attempt to notify the rightful owner that the property is available for release. The lead investigator, or Deputy District Attorney assigned to the case, may also request that the item be photographed and returned to the rightful owner. Property that was reported stolen to another law enforcement agency will be returned to the original agency where it will be cleared for release.

Evidence

If your property was booked as evidence, it cannot be released until the Police Department receives a formal release from the District Attorney’s Office or the primary investigator on the case.
When a case involves asset forfeiture, both the civil and criminal cases must be complete. Before release of the property, the Police Department must receive both an Asset Forfeiture Property Release Form from the Asset Forfeiture District Attorney, and a standard property release form from the Criminal Deputy District Attorney who handled the case in court.

Destruction

Property booked for destruction, has no evidentiary value. It is a possible hazard or an item prohibited for the individual to possess. This property will be entered into the property database and disposed of immediately.

Safekeeping

Property booked as safekeeping has no evidentiary value to the case and may be released once it is entered into the property database. However, this does not apply to firearms, drugs, or money. You must retrieve safekeeping items within the specified time. General property (including bicycles) booked as safekeeping will be held for sixty (60) days before it is disposed of.

Found

Property booked as Found, generally has no identifiable owner, and is held for ninety (90) days prior to disposal. If the Police Department can determine an owner for the property, we will mail a notification to the owner at their last known address.
If you receive notification that your property was turned in to the Woodland Police Department, you can contact the Property & Evidence by phone at 530-661-7823 to make an appointment for property pick up.

Can I let someone else pick up my property? My relative is in custody. How can I pick up his/her property?

The owner of the property can designate another person as his/her representative to collect the property, once it is available for release. To be appointed as an owner’s representative, the person will need an original signed letter from the property owner.

Can you mail my property to me?

No. We do not mail property.

FIREARMS

How do I get my firearm back?

Before the Police Department returns your firearm to you, you must obtain a clearance letter from Department of Justice.

Penal Code § 33850

Since 2005, the owner of any firearm that comes into the custody of law enforcement, must submit to an extensive Department of Justice background check to determine eligibility to possess a firearm, before law enforcement can release the firearm. To submit a Law Enforcement Gun Application (LEGR), fill out the form with the required fee. CFARS Link

Penal Code § 28000

Since January 1, 2014, all firearms (including long guns) release from law enforcement control must be registered to the owner (recipient). You can voluntarily register any unregistered firearm by submitting a Firearm Ownership Report to the Department of Justice. You will have thirty (30) calendar days (not business days) to retrieve your firearm. You shall bring your picture ID, the letter for each firearm, and the report number for the case in which the firearm was taken, to the Property Bureau to claim your firearms. If you do not claim your firearms within thirty (30) days, you will have to re-apply to DOJ and pay the LEGR fees again.

The officer/DA told me to call/come by the Police Department, and I could pick up my property?

The DA’s office and the officers are not always aware of all our policies and procedures for releasing property. Please call for an appointment at 530-661-7823