Evidence
Evidence/Property:
The Franklin Police Department processes over 5,000 pieces of property annually, both coming in to and out of the Department. This property consists of evidence in criminal cases, found property, and property held for safekeeping. Often times property may be released to the owner once criminal cases are concluded or if the property has been found and turned in to the police.
Return of Property:
Property will be returned by scheduled appointment only, Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 am and 3:00 pm. Please schedule appointments by phone with the Detective Bureau. At the time of the return you must have a valid identification. You will also need to provide the following information:
- Your name and date of birth;
- The case number or receipt for property;
- Description of the property you want released;
- A phone number where you can be contacted.
Personal Property:
If you are a suspect in a crime and property was seized pursuant to a search warrant, you will need a Court Order stating the specific property in question can be returned to you. If you want the property to be released to another person, the Court Order must name that person. Information regarding obtaining Court Orders can be found by contacting the Court of Jurisdiction. If you are a victim of a crime and your property was recovered; all aspects of the case must be completed within the Court system before the property will be returned. If the property was seized pursuant to a search warrant, you will need a Court Order stating the specific property in question can be returned.
Firearms:
If your firearms were seized through a Protective Order or are evidence of a criminal offense, the following will be needed prior to return:
- An order from the Court of jurisdiction stating the firearms can be returned to you;
- If you are not allowed to possess a firearm, the Court order must state to whom the firearm may be released to.
Found Property:
If an owner of found property is not identified, the finder will be eligible to claim such property. Property with a value of under $100 may be claimed by the finder after 90 days. If the property has a value greater than $100 it may be claimed by the finder after 180 days. Firearms, weapons, and bicycles will not be returned to the finder if an owner is not identified. Periodically, items that no longer have evidentiary value, have no identifiable owners, or are found property, which are not claimed by the finder, are assigned for destruction in accordance with Franklin Police Department policy.