(a) Property which has been lost, abandoned, stolen, misplaced, lawfully seized or forfeited and is in the custody of the Police Department 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, the location where found and the general circumstances. All property used for evidence purposes shall be kept until it is no longer needed and then disposed of pursuant to this section.
(b) The Police Department shall make a reasonable effort to notify the person entitled to the possession of the property in its custody, and to indicate where such property may be claimed. If the owner or owners of such property cannot be found, then before the unclaimed property can be disposed of, the Chief of Police shall cause an advertisement to be placed in a newspaper of general circulation within the City once a week for two consecutive weeks, setting forth therein the property to be disposed of and the place where it can be viewed. If such property is not claimed on the date and time set forth in the advertisement, then such property may be disposed of as further provided in this section.
(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 convicted 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) Property no longer used for evidence purposes, property unclaimed for ninety days, and forfeited property, in the custody of the Police Department, 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) Property, firearms and dangerous ordnance suitable for police work may be retained by the Police Department or given to other law enforcement agencies for police purposes. 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 materials 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.
(Ord. 1977-4. Passed 1-17-77.)
(Ord. 1977-4. Passed 1-17-77.)