City of Novato, CA
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The Evidence Technician is responsible for receiving, cataloging, and storing evidence and recovered property. They must ensure that all evidence is properly packaged and stored to preserve it in its original state for prosecution. The technician retrieves evidence for court, arranges for analysis of evidence by the California Department of Justice Crime Lab, and maintains the “chain of custody." The Evidence Technician takes possession of all found property turned in to the Department and arranges for return of the property when the owner is located.
Evidence items are kept in property until all court proceeding are complete. Some cases require special processing like homicide evidence and other cases with DNA or specific statutory and legislative requirements. Once the property is no longer needed for legal proceedings, the Evidence Technician arranges for its return to the owner, or disposition by auction or destruction according to state law.
Services Offered:
*Please note: your property will not be released without an appointment.
- Property and Evidence Release:
- Contact the Property and Evidence Technician at 415-899-7013 or npdpropertyroom@novato.org, to schedule an appointment.
- Property held as "evidence" will not be available for release until the case has been adjudicated or concluded.
- Prior to releasing firearms, verification from the Department of Justice to ensure that the recipient is not in a prohibited classification will be conducted.
- Auctions:
- The City of Novato does not hold auctions for surplus property. The City of Novato contracts with the California Auction Company that takes the items and reimburses the City.
To speak with a Property & Evidence Supervisor, please call 415-897-4361.
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