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Property & Evidence

Overview

Services

Important Notes

The Property & Evidence Division of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for the safekeeping and proper handling of all property and evidence collected during investigations or seized as part of legal proceedings. This includes items belonging to individuals who have been arrested and property recovered from crime scenes.

Our Services

Claiming Property

If you believe you have property in our possession, please call 304-487-8364 to inquire about its status and the process for claiming it.

Required Documentation

To claim property, you will typically need to provide:

  • Valid Identification: A government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport).
  • Proof of Ownership: Documentation that establishes your ownership of the property (e.g., receipt, bill of sale, photograph).
  • Estate Claims: If you are claiming property on behalf of a deceased person’s estate, you will need to provide proof that you are the administrator or executor of the estate.

Hours of Operation

The Property & Evidence Division is open to the public:

  • Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM

Important Notes

  • Storage Fees: In some cases, storage fees may apply for unclaimed property.
  • Time Limits: There may be time limits for claiming property. Please contact us promptly to avoid forfeiting your claim.
  • Condition of Property: We are not responsible for damage to property that occurs during storage.
A closeup image of an evidence record slip.

Contact Us

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What types of items are stored in Property & Evidence?

A wide range of items can be stored, including:

  • Firearms and weapons
  • Drugs and narcotics
  • Currency and jewelry
  • Electronics (phones, computers, etc.)
  • Documents and records
  • Clothing and personal belongings
  • Vehicles and other large items
  • Biological evidence (DNA, blood, etc.)
How is evidence handled to maintain its integrity?

The Property & Evidence Division follows strict procedures to ensure the integrity of evidence, including:

  • Detailed documentation and chain-of-custody protocols
  • Secure storage in a climate-controlled environment
  • Proper packaging and labeling to prevent contamination or damage
  • Adherence to legal and ethical standards for evidence handling
Who has access to the Property & Evidence Division?

Access to the Property & Evidence Division is restricted to authorized personnel only. This typically includes:

  • Property & Evidence technicians
  • Law enforcement officers involved in investigations
  • Forensic specialists
  • Attorneys and court officials (with proper authorization)
What happens to my personal property if I'm arrested?

When someone is arrested, their personal property is inventoried and stored securely by the Property & Evidence Division. This property may be returned upon release or held as evidence, depending on the circumstances of the case.

How can I get my property back after it's been taken?

To retrieve your property, you generally need to:

  • Contact the Property & Evidence Division to confirm they have your items.
  • Provide proper identification and proof of ownership.
  • Obtain a property release order from the court or investigating officer, if required.
  • Schedule an appointment for property retrieval during the division’s operating hours.
What if my property is needed as evidence in a case?

If your property is needed as evidence, it may be held until the case is concluded. You may be able to view the evidence or request a copy, depending on the circumstances and legal restrictions.