(626) 580-2129

Property Bureau "Frequently Asked Questions"

1. I was arrested; when & how can I retrieve my property?  (back)
   If property was booked as safekeeping, you have 60 days to make an appointment to pick up your property with the property technician by calling (626) 580-2129, send a written request to hold your property for additional 10 months or give written authorization for someone else to pick up your property.
2. My friend was arrested; can I pick up his/her property? (back)
   If your friend gives you written authorization to pick up his/her safekeeping property you can make an appointment with the property technician
3. What happens to the property/evidence that is not claimed or returned to the owner? (back)
   It is destroyed, donated or auctioned per department policy.
4. Where is the property/evidence auctioned? (back)
   We use an online auction company.  www.propertyroom.com
5. I have my Department of Justice clearance for my firearm what do I do now to get my gun(s) back? (back)
   Call (626) 580-2129 to make an appointment with the property technician to put up your firearm within thirty days from the date of your DOJ clearance letter.  You will need to present a locking case, valid identification and the DOJ clearance letter in order to receive your firearm(s) back.  Department policy dictates you will have to return another day to pick up ammunition.
6. I came during business hours to retrieve my property and was told to come back later; why? (back)
   As there is only one property technician on duty it is important to make an appointment.  At times the property technician can be away from her desk, in a meeting, in the field, away at training or out sick.  By making an appointment you will not have to make repeat visits in an attempt to pick up your property.
7. What happened to my jewelry I was wearing when I was arrested?(back)
   Any small items you had when you were arrested are placed in your prisoner property bag and are returned to you when you are released from the jail.  If you are transferred to court, LA County Jail, or the another Police Department’s jail, your property follows you.  Check with the last facility you were released from.
8. Items were taken from me as evidence; how do I retrieve them? (back)
   The property technician can only release items taken as evidence with the investigating detective’s approval.
9. My car was impounded; can you release it to me? (back)
   The property technician does not release vehicles or motorcycles.  You must contact the desk officer or cadet at the front desk of the police lobby.
10. What information do you need from me to find my property? (back)
    The fastest way to locate your property is provide the property technician with the El Monte Police Department’s case number, for example 07CR99999.  If you don’t have your case number the property technician can locate the case number with your booking number, your arrest number or your first and last name and date of birth.