For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
CONTRABAND. Any property which is unlawful to produce or possess under federal, state, or local law.
DEPARTMENT. The El Mirage Police Department.
DISPOSE. The transfer of ownership of property by sale, donation, or conversion; the return of property to the owner; or the destruction of such property.
EVIDENCE. Property that is held for possible presentation in a judicial or administrative proceeding.
HAZARDOUS MATERIAL. Any material that, because of its quantity, concentration, or physical and chemical characteristics, may pose a present or potential hazard to human health and safety or to the environment, or the presence of which requires investigation, disposal, removal and/or remediation under any federal, state or local law.
INTANGIBLE PROPERTY. The definition as provided in A.R.S. § 44-301.
OFFICER. Any officer, agent, or employee of the city acting within the scope of employment.
OWNER. The person lawfully vested with, ownership, dominion, care, control, management, or title of property.
PROPERTY. Any tangible item, including currency. For the purposes of this chapter, PROPERTY excludes real and intangible property.
PROPERTY VALUE. The reasonable value of the property in its present condition.
SAFEKEEPING. Storage of property by the city that is not classified as unclaimed property by the city or its officers.
STOLEN PROPERTY. That property of an owner who has been unlawfully deprived of possession, and of which has been taken into safekeeping by the city or its officers pursuant to a commission of any crime as defined by federal, state, or local law.
UNCLAIMED PROPERTY. Any property owned by another which has come into actual or constructive possession by the city or its officers, and the owner fails to make satisfactory claim and proof of ownership within 30 days after notice has been provided in accordance with § 93.03. UNCLAIMED PROPERTY does not include contraband, evidence, firearms, hazardous material, or stolen property as defined by this chapter, or forfeited property as provided in A.R.S. § 13-4301 et seq.
(Ord. O-20-10-07, passed 10-20-2020; Res. R20-10-20, passed 10-20-2020; Ord. O23-04-03, passed 4-4-2023)