(A) Application Of Ordinance: This ordinance is applicable to all personal property or lawful United States currency of which possession is transferred to the East Moline police department, under circumstances supporting a reasonable belief that such property or currency was abandoned or lost by the owner, found by another in a public place, stolen or otherwise illegally possessed.
(B) Inquiry And Notice To Owner: Such property believed to be abandoned, lost, or stolen or otherwise illegally possessed shall be retained in custody by the Chief of Police, or his designated agent, as an officer of the East Moline Police Department, who shall make reasonable inquiry and efforts to identify and notify the owner or other person entitled to possession thereof, and shall return the property after such person provides reasonable and satisfactory proof of his ownership or right to possession and reimburse the Department for all reasonable expenses of such custody.
(C) Sale Of Unclaimed Personal Property: If the identity or location of the owner or other person entitled to possession of the personal property has not been ascertained within six (6) months after the Police Department obtains such possession, the Chief of Police shall effectuate the sale of the property for cash to the highest bidder at a public auction, notice of which shall be published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation in Rock Island County at least ten (10) days prior to the auction. The Chief of Police may in his discretion transfer the property to a department within the City for its use, if he determines such use would be in the best interests of the City. Proceeds of such sale shall be delivered to the City Clerk and deposited to the City's General Fund.
(D) Disposition Of Unclaimed Currency: If the identity or location of the owner or other person entitled to possession of the lawful currency has not been ascertained within six (6) months after the Police Department obtains such possession, the Chief of Police shall deliver such currency to the person who originally transferred possession of the currency to the Police Department.
(E) Damages Occasioned By Acts Or Omissions: No person shall be responsible for consequent damages to another occasioned by an act or omission in compliance with this Ordinance. (Ord. 94-19, 10-3-1994)