Riverside Police Department

The Police Property Unit is open to the public Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m by appointment only.

All property is released by appointment only. Call the Police Property Unit at (951) 353-7650 for release information and appointments.

Found property is held for a period of 90 days. If the property is unable to be returned to the rightful owner, it may be offered back to the finder. The Police Property Unit will mail a letter to the finder. A response must be made within 15 days from the date on the letter in order for the finder to be able to claim the property.

Property held for safekeeping will be held for a period of at least 60 days. If the owner of the items is known, a letter will be mailed to the owner requiring that the owner respond by telephone within 15 days to retrieve the items. If no response is received within 15 days, the items may be disposed of in the manner prescribed by law. Firearms held for safekeeping are an exception.

Firearms held for safekeeping or evidence as a result of a family problem, a violent crime or potentially violent crime or mental health issue have special requirements for release.

FIREARMS: In those cases where Riverside Police has confiscated a firearm(s) or other deadly weapon(s) into custody pursuant to Penal Code § 12028.5, a petition may be initiated in the Superior Court within 60 days of seizure to determine whether the firearm(s) or other deadly weapon(s) should be returned. (A petition may be filed to extend the time to 90 days if necessary.)

The first step for the person who claims title to the firearm(s) or other deadly weapon(s) is to obtain the Riverside Police case agent or City Attorney’s authorization for release. The second step is to make application for a determination by the Department of Justice (DOJ) as to whether the person who claims title is eligible to possess a firearm(s) or other deadly weapon(s). The

Law Enforcement Gun Release Application is available online at: Release Form

All other items held as evidence:

Felony arrest cases: Evidence items will be held for a minimum of 60 days from the date of final disposition. If the owner does not claim the items at that time, they may be disposed of or destroyed in the manner prescribed by law.

Misdemeanor arrest cases: Evidence will be held for 30 days from the date of sentencing and then items will be disposed of or destroyed in the manner prescribed by law.

If no arrest has been made and/or no suspect identified: Evidence items may be held up to 1 year or longer depending on the status of the case

Yes. The owner must write a “letter of permission.” The letter should be dated and signed by the owner. It should give a specific person permission to retrieve the owner’s property. Example:

Today’s Date

Riverside Police Property Unit,

My name is John Smith. I am currently unable to retrieve my property under police report number P302001002 due to being hospitalized, incarcerated, etc. I give permission for my Mother, Jane Smith, to retrieve my property from the Riverside Police Property Unit.

Signature

The person picking up the owner’s belongings should have the police report number, the original letter of permission and valid picture identification in the form of a California Driver’s License, a California Identification Card or a Passport. 

The citizen may contact the Riverside City Clerk’s Office at (951) 826-5557.  Paperwork may be mailed to the citizen to file a claim against the City of Riverside. The citizen will need to bring the completed paperwork to the City Clerk’s Office for filing. A claims adjuster may contact the citizen regarding the claim.

All unclaimed property and evidence are sold through an online auction at PropertyRoom.com. The proceeds from the auction are deposited into the City’s general fund.