(a) Property which has been lost, abandoned, stolen, misplaced, lawfully seized or forfeited and is in the custody of the Police Division shall be deposited and kept in a location designated by the Chief of Police. A record of all such property shall be maintained, which shall include the name of the owner, if known, the person from whom received, and the location where found with general circumstances. All property which is evidence shall be kept until it is no longer needed and then disposed of pursuant to this section.
(b) The Police Division shall make a reasonable effort to notify the person entitled to possession of property in its custody and indicate where such property may be claimed.
(c) A person loses any right he may have to title or possession of property:
(1) Which was the subject of, or was used in a conspiracy or attempt to commit, or the commission of, an offense other than a traffic offense, and such person is a conspirator, accomplice or offender with respect to the offense; or
(2) When, in light of the nature of the property or the circumstances of such person, it is unlawful for him to acquire or possess it.
(d) Property unclaimed for ninety days and forfeited property in the custody of the Police Division shall be disposed of on application to and order of the Mayor as follows:
(1) Drugs shall be destroyed or placed in the custody of the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States for disposal or use for medical or scientific purposes under applicable Federal law.
(2) Firearms and dangerous ordnance suitable for police work may be given to a law enforcement agency for that purpose. Firearms suitable for sporting use, or as museum pieces or collectors' items, may be sold at public auction pursuant to paragraph (d)(4) hereof. Other firearms and dangerous ordnance shall be destroyed.
(3) Obscene material shall be destroyed.
(4) Other unclaimed or forfeited property may be sold at public auction or disposed of as the Mayor considers proper in the circumstances.
(e) The proceeds from property disposed of pursuant to this section shall be placed in the General Fund of the City.
(f) This section does not apply to the collection, storage or disposal of "abandoned junk motor vehicles" as defined in Ohio R.C. 4513.63. This section shall be not be construed to rescind or restrict the authority of the City to keep and dispose of lost, abandoned, stolen, seized or forfeited property under any other ordinance of the City.
(Ord. 76-134. Passed 10-5-76.)