(a) Property which has been lost, abandoned, stolen or lawfully seized or forfeited and is in the custody of the Division of Police shall be deposited and kept in a location designated by the Chief of Police. A record of all such property shall be maintained, which will include the name of the owner, if known, the person from whom received, 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 Division of Police 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, 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.
(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) After thirty days all unclaimed and forfeited bicycles and after ninety days all other unclaimed and forfeited property in the custody of the Division of Police shall be disposed of as provided below or as ordered by the appropriate court having jurisdiction over the property.
(1) All drugs shall be destroyed.
(2) Firearms and dangerous ordnance suitable for police work may be retained by the Police Department for that purpose. Firearms suitable for sporting use, or as museum pieces or collector's items may be sold as directed by the Chief of Police in a manner not in violation of Ohio R.C. 2923.20; all other firearms and dangerous ordnance shall be destroyed.
(3) Obscene materials shall be destroyed.
(4) Other unclaimed or forfeited property may be sold at public auction as directed by the Chief of Police or disposed of as the court considers proper under the circumstances.
(e) The proceeds from property, disposed of pursuant to this section, shall be placed in the General Fund of the Village.
(f) This section does not apply to the collection, storage or disposal of junk motor vehicles. (Ord. 70-14. Passed 12-8-14.)