The Franklin Police Department Evidence Room is responsible for the intake, storage, transportation, security, and disposal of all evidence, found property, safekeeping property, and surrendered items for the City of Franklin The Evidence. Evidence refers to any item related to the commission of a crime. Found property is non-evidentiary property that is lost or abandoned and is not suspected to be connected with any criminal offenses. Safekeeping consists of non-evidentiary property that is placed in the custody of the law enforcement agency on behalf of the owner for temporary holding and protection. Surrendered is an unwanted weapon or ammunition a citizen brings to the police department for disposal.

The Franklin Police Department maintains affiliation with the International Association of Property and Evidence (IAPE), which provides education, training, and written standards related to all aspects of the handling, storage, maintenance, and disposal of law enforcement held property and evidence. The evidence technician earned the title of Certified Property and Evidence Specialist through IAPE in 2004. The Franklin Police Department meets or exceeds all standards for the intake, storage, transportation, security, and disposal of property as set forth by C.A.L.E.A., IAPE, and Tennessee state law.

Access to the Evidence Room is strictly controlled through limited access and additional security measures. Any movement of property in or out of the evidence room requires documentation through an automated barcode tracking system that traces the chain of custody of each item. When property is temporarily given to an officer or a detective, each item is recorded and an official property report, showing the signature of the person receiving the property, and the date and time that the items were checked out of the property room, is maintained on file. The documentation of chain of custody will show when items return to the evidence room.

The Evidence Room is responsible for properly accounting, logging, and maintaining all property received on a case until there is final court adjudication. If items enter the evidence room as safekeeping or found property, the items are released to the rightful owner when proof of ownership is provided. If the items are unclaimed by the rightful owner, the items are disposed of in accordance with Tennessee state law. Evidence personnel attempt to locate owners of property by means of certified letters, found property listed on the City of Franklin website, and newspaper advertisements.

All items are released by appointment only. To make an appointment or inquire about property, contact the evidence technician at gayle.saylor@franklintn.gov. Anyone claiming property must provide proof of ownership and a valid photo ID.

Firearms are only released with proof of ownership and to persons who may lawfully posses a firearm. Ammunition is not released at the same time as a weapon. If desired, the owner may claim the ammunition 24 hours after claiming the weapon.

A query is performed through the National Crime Information Computer (NCIC) on all serialized property received to determine whether it has been reported stolen or lost by any law enforcement agency. After identifying the property as stolen, the rightful owner receives notification and instructions on how to claim the items.

Following adjudication, all property that is still in the control of the evidence room is released to the owner at the earliest possible date. The owner must sign a declaration of ownership under penalty of perjury. If the owner cannot be located by means of certified letter, website, or newspaper advertisements, and after a specific amount of time the property is marked for disposal. Unclaimed property disposed of by means of sold at public auction or destroyed if there is no appreciable value. The City of Franklin uses online auctions to sell surplus or unclaimed property.

Www.govdeals.com is the auction site used by the City of Franklin. By using the advance search function on the website, one can search to view any items, which the City of Franklin may be auctioning. If the City of Franklin or the Franklin Police Department does not appear on the list, no items are available at that time.

All narcotic controlled substances, related instruments, and paraphernalia are destroyed pursuant to court order. These items are destroyed by means of an incinerator. All destructions are conducted with a minimum of two people as witnesses, while the destruction is video taped. Seized currency is deposited into the Police Department's Drug Fund and any seized vehicles will be auctioned or released to the police department for departmental use. Confiscated or surrendered firearms are ground. No firearms from the Evidence Room are available for sale to the public or any law enforcement personnel. In accordance with Tennessee state law, firearms suitable for training or other job related functions are awarded to the department.