Lost and Found Property
Claiming your property
Property that is classified as “found” or held as “safekeeping” (with the exception of firearms) may be claimed, by appointment, between the hours of 9am and 3pm, Monday through Friday.
Found Property
Items turned in to our agency as Found Property are maintained for 30 days. All unclaimed property, after that time period, is set for disposal. Call this office if you are missing an item. We will search the inventory and let you know if we have an item that matches the description. If we do not, we will keep your information for a reasonable amount of time and call you if that item turns up in our inventory. It is important to provide us with proof of ownership for certain items. These instances will be evaluated on an individual case basis.
Safekeeping Property (excluding firearms)
Items held for safekeeping must be retrieved within 60 days or will be eligible for destruction after this time period. If you are listed on the property sheet as the owner you must bring the safekeeping property sheet and a photo ID. If you are not listed as the owner, you must contact the Officer who completed the safekeeping property sheet. He/She must authorize, in writing, the property to you. A valid ID will be required to pick up property.
Evidence Property
Per FSS 925.11, if the suspect of a case is found guilty by jury, the property must be held for four years after sentencing, regardless of who owns the property. If the suspect pled in court or charges were dropped, or if the case is closed with no further investigation possible, the property can be released with written authorization from the detective or officer assigned to the case. A certified copy of a court order can also release property. There are certain items that cannot be returned once they have been impounded by our agency. Vehicle tags and suspended drivers licenses are two of the most common items in this category. If either have been seized, you must contact the Department of Motor Vehicles of the state that the tag or driver’s license was issued and find out how to obtain a new one.
Claiming firearms
The release of firearms is governed by how the weapon is classified: Evidence, safekeeping or Court Order (domestic injunction). If you are uncertain as to the classification assigned to your property, check with the detective or officer who is handling the case. Firearms are disposed of under a separate statute (FSS 790). Release of a firearm: Before the release of any firearm the following must be completed.
- The person claiming the firearm is subject to a background check to ensure they are not a convicted felon, are not wanted or have an outstanding domestic violence injunction.
- A check of the UCF Police Department records must be completed to determine the background information on the case. If there are any discrepancies or questions about any information located, the weapon will not be released until the issue is resolved.
- The officer or detective who seized the weapon must authorize the release.
AMMUNITION IS NOT RETURNED DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS, UNLESS SPECIFIED IN A COURT ORDER.
Firearms
Evidence Firearms
Firearms taken as evidence will not be returned without instructions from the State Attorney’s Office or by Court Order, unless the case was Non-Pros or there is a final judgment of acquittal. Proper ID must be presented. According to FSS 790.08, the charges must be concluded.
Safekeeping Firearms
Firearms that are not evidence (i.e.: Safekeeping, death investigation, suicide, found property, etc.), shall not be released without authorization from the officer/detective or their supervisor.
Firearms subject to court ordered domestic injunctions
Release requires a court certified copy of the order lifting the injunction prepared by the judge who issued the injunction. There are no exceptions.
FAQs
What happens to unclaimed property?
Property (including bicycles) that remains unclaimed by the legal owner will be disposed of by destruction, conversion to department property, or public auction.
How long is property held?
Different property is held for different amounts of time: Evidence is held until such a time as they are no longer needed for trial or the statute of limitations expires. Statutes of limitations vary depending on the crime/incident type. Some items, however, can be released per court order or authorization from the State Attorney’s Office or, in some cases, the case officers’ authorization. Found Property is held for at least 30 days unless it is claimed by the owner. After 30 days, property is disposed of accordingly.
Can I get my property back if I am a minor?
If you are a UCF student, and you have ID, yes. If you are not affiliated with UCF, then your property will only be release to a parent or guardian (who must show legal proof of guardianship).
Can someone else other then myself pick up the property for me?
Yes, you may authorize another person to pick up your property with a notarized letter of authorization. The letter must include our department name, the case number issued to you, the name of the person you are granting authorization to, your name (both printed and signed), the date and a stamp and signature of a Notary.
Do I need to bring identification?
Yes, you will need a valid picture ID.
Do I need an appointment to pick-up property?
Yes, appointments are generally arranged Monday through Friday (9am-3pm), but other arrangements can be made for off-hour pick-up. Calling ahead (407 823-5622) is to ensure that your property is ready and that someone is available to return it to you. If you were issued a case number, please have that available.
What are the operating hours of the Evidence Section?
We are open Monday through Friday 8:00-4:30. The UCF Police Department is on Libra Drive on the main campus of UCF. The office number is 407-823-5622.