Property and Evidence Section
The Property and Evidence Section ensures the proper storage and maintenance of all items the Dalton Police Department collects as evidence of crimes and all found or recovered property. This section is also responsible for issuing equipment and uniforms, fleet management, and GBI crime lab submissions.
Members of the public can reclaim their property and lost or stolen items after they are released by the investigating officer or detective.
Pursuant to Georgia law, property not picked up in a timely manner or no longer needed by the courts is destroyed or sold at auction. Dalton PD uses GovDeals.com, an online police auctions center.
Found Property
Found property is held for 90 days from the date it's received. A notification letter is sent to the property owner and after 15 days, all uncollected property is destroyed or put up for auction. If you believe that you are the owner of found property in the possession of Dalton PD, call 706-278-9085, option 5, to arrange an appointment to collect it.
Proof of ownership and a valid photo ID will be required to claim any property. If you are having someone else pick up your property, they must bring a notarized letter from you (the owner) authorizing its release.
You must schedule an appointment prior to picking up any property by calling 706-278-9085, option 5.
Evidence
Evidence is held until it is released by the investigative officer or detective. After being released, the owner is notified by letter. Evidence not collected by its owner after 15 days from notification is destroyed or sold at auction.
To retrieve items taken as evidence, you must obtain written authorization from one of the following:
- the investigating officer or detective with Dalton PD
- the District Attorney's Office
- the Superior Court of the Conasauga Judicial Circuit
If you do not know the name of the officer or detective handling your case, call the Records Section at 706-278-9085, ext. 408, to help you locate that information. If possible, please provide the Incident/Case/Report number (begins with the year in which the incident occurred, e.g., 22-001234).
You must have a valid photo ID and your Incident/Case/Report number in order to collect evidence. In addition, if you've received any paperwork, such as a notification card, letter, etc., please bring that with you to your appointment.
Location & Hours of Operation
The Property and Evidence Section is located at the Police Services Center at 301 Jones Street. Appointments can be scheduled for the pick-up of items Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30. If you have questions about retrieving an item from P&E, please call 706-278-9085, option 5.
