Property & Evidence

About Us

Our Property & Evidence Division maintains the integrity of each evidence item and its chain of custody. The Division is staffed by two full-time Property & Evidence Technicians, two full-time Records Supervisors, and one General Assistant. Our Technicians are responsible for documenting, receiving, storing, and disposing of property and evidence collected by officers.

To schedule an appointment for release of property, please contact Property & Evidence at 951-736-2330 ext. 7. Property releases are available by appointment only, walk-ins do not guarantee the release of property day of. Appointments may be scheduled Monday – Thursday 8am- 5pm . 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Property Taken as Evidence

Property Releases

Why do I need to schedule an appointment with Property & Evidence to pick up my items?

· For security reasons, only a select few personnel have access to Property & Evidence secure storage areas. There are multiple secure storage areas that Property & Evidence Technicians manage and they often are transporting evidence to the lab so they may not always be available during lobby hours.

· Property releases may only be scheduled Monday- Thursday 8am-4:30pm

· The process of releasing property depends on the property itself. For example, the release of Safekeeping property is different from the release of firearms.

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Why Evidence is held:

· The Corona Police Department holds evidence to prove or disprove facts related to incidents under investigation.

· Evidence items may be retained pending further analysis and/or pending the expiration of the statute of limitation for the crime committed

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How do I recover property that was taken as evidence by the police department?

· Before you can recover property that was taken as evidence, certain processes must be completed by the Police Department and Riverside Court

· When all legal processes have been completed, the evidence may only be released after a case disposition

· Contact Property & Evidence to request the release of property held as Evidence.

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Property Taken as Safekeeping or Found

How long will the Corona Police Department store property that is held as Safekeeping?

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· Per California Civil Code Section 2080.10, Safekeeping property is held for a period of 60 days

· If the owner is unable to pick up their property, they may designate someone to pick up the property on their behalf. This can be done on the Safekeeping Notice at the time of booking or in a signed letter with a copy of property owner’s ID.

· If the owner is incarcerated, they may designate someone to pick up the property on their behalf (see above) or request in writing that the property be held up to an additional 10 months.

· Property held past the Safekeeping retention period will be disposed of

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If I found property and gave it to the police, can I have it when no one claims it?

· If the property is not claimed by the owner or by the finder the property is auctioned, donated, or disposed of in accordance with California Civil Code Section 2080.10.

· The finder of property or cash that is not claimed within 90 days by the rightful owner can apply to claim the items.

· Found firearms and contraband cannot be claimed by the finder. These items will be destroyed or disposed as prescribed by law.

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What happens to property that is not claimed?

· If property is not claimed, it is sent to an auction company or it is destroyed.

· The proceeds of items sold at auction are deposited into the City’s General Fund.

· Firearms are exempt from being auctioned.

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Firearms

How do I recover a firearm in the possession of the Corona Police Department?

· If the firearm is held for Safekeeping, create an account with the Department of Justice California Firearms Application Reporting System (CFARS)and complete a Law Enforcement Gun Release Application to determine your eligibility to possess the firearm. This must be done online.

· Confirm that you are the Registered Owner of the firearm and/or file a Firearm Ownership Record application with DOJ

· Once you receive your Clearance Letter from DOJ, contact Property & Evidence to schedule an appointment for pickup.

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What happens to my firearms if I am no longer allowed to possess them according to the DOJ?

· Per California Penal Code 12021.3 (g), firearms held by law enforcement and not claimed within 180 days are eligible for disposal

· If the owner is prohibited from ownership and the firearm is not illegal, they may arrange the firearms to be transferred to a licensed firearms dealer.

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How are firearms destroyed?

· In accordance with California Penal Code Section 18005 (f), all firearms for destruction will be destroyed in its entirety by smelting, shredding, crushing or cutting all parts of the firearm including any attachments. Any scrap metal or other material resulting from the destruction of a firearm or other weapon can be thus recycled.

Can I surrender a firearm for destruction?

· Yes, there may be a few reasons for surrendering a firearm. For example, a change in personal circumstances or a death in the family.

· Lawfully transport the firearm to the police department. Refer to California Penal Code 25610, 16850, 25400, 30945, and 16850.

· Leave the firearm in the vehicle, do not come into the Police Department lobby with the firearm

· Once in the lobby, an officer will be dispatched to retrieve the firearm for destruction

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Search Warrants

How can I recover my property that was seized by a search warrant?

· Per California Penal Code 1536, a court order is required to recover property that has been confiscated as a result of a search warrant

· Contact the Property & Evidence Division once you receive your court order. The court order will need to be verified with the handling officer before release.

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