How should you handle arrestee property that cannot be immediately checked?

• A. Secure in a property bag with inventory, tag, document, and maintain chain of custody; return or store appropriately.
• B. Immediately release property to arrestee without documentation.
• C. Place property in an unsecured box to save time.
• D. Record property but leave it unbagged until later.

Answer: (A)

When you can’t check arrestee property immediately, the priority is to preserve its integrity and accountability. Secure the items in a property bag, create an itemized inventory, tag the bag with the arrestee’s information, date, and case number, and document the transfer so there is a clear chain of custody. Keep the bag sealed and store it in a secure property room or follow your agency’s storage procedures until the property can be processed. Return the property to the arrestee if allowed on release, or store it appropriately for later disposition. This approach prevents loss, theft, or tampering and ensures the property can be properly accounted for later. Releasing property without documentation, placing it in an unsecured box, or leaving it unbagged would break the chain of custody and increase risk of misplacement.