Chapter 2.20
POLICE DEPARTMENT—UNCLAIMED PROPERTY
Sections:
2.20.020 Application of provisions.
2.20.030 Safekeeping and records.
2.20.040 Restoration to owner.
2.20.090 Disposition of unsold property.
2.20.010 Statute authority.
The ordinance codified in this chapter as adopted pursuant to the provisions of Section 1873 of the Civil Code of the state. (Ord. 345 § 1, 1961)
2.20.020 Application of provisions.
This chapter applies to any property which may come into the possession of the police department, the identity of the owner of which is unknown. (Ord. 345 § 2, 1961)
2.20.030 Safekeeping and records.
Such property shall be kept in a safe place by the police department for the time provided in this chapter. In the event that the city does not have facilities appropriate for the safe storage of such property, the chief of police shall cause the same to be safely stored with any responsible person of good character, at the expense of the city. The chief of police shall cause to be maintained a record of all such property coming into the possession of the police department and showing the date and manner of receipt and disposition thereof. (Ord. 345 § 3, 1961)
2.20.040 Restoration to owner.
Such property shall be restored to the possession of the person claiming to be the lawful owner thereof, when there has been furnished to the chief of police a written claim, verified by one of the claimants, setting forth the facts establishing the claimant’s ownership, and when the chief of police is satisfied as to the truth of such facts and the lawful ownership of such property by the claimant. (Ord. 345 § 4, 1961)
2.20.050 Storage charges.
The claimant of the property shall pay to the city as a condition of the restoration of the property to him, any charges for storage of the property which may have been incurred by the city pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 345 § 5, 1961)
2.20.060 Sale—Notice.
Whenever any such property has been, in the possession of the police department for a period of three months or more, without having been claimed and restored to its lawful owner, as mentioned in Sections 2.20.040 and 2.20.050, the property shall be sold at a public auction to the highest bidder for cash. Notice of such sale shall be given by the chief of police at least five days before the time fixed therefor by the chief of police, by publication once in a newspaper of general circulation published in the city. (Ord. 97-4 § 4, 1997; Ord. 345 § 6, 1961)
2.20.070 Sale—Conduct.
Such sale shall be conducted by such person as the chief of police may designate at the police station or at the City Hall, between the hours of eight a.m. and five p.m., excepting Sundays and legal holidays. (Ord. 345 § 7, 1961)
2.20.080 Sale—Proceeds.
The proceeds of such sale shall be deposited in the general fund of the city. (Ord. 345 § 8, 1961)
2.20.090 Disposition of unsold property.
If no bid is received for the purchase of any such property after being so advertised and offered for sale, the chief of police shall have authority to dispose of the same by destruction, depositing in the city or county dump, or by delivery to some bona fide charitable organization, in his discretion. (Ord. 345 § 9, 1961)