FORENSIC SUPPORT
Behind Every Investigation
The Scientific Investigations Unit (SIU) provides forensic support to Patrol, Investigations, and the Coroner. The unit processes crime scenes and manages all property and evidence for the Sheriff’s Office.
If your property was collected for safekeeping, found, or held as evidence, SIU can help you determine if it is ready to be returned.
WHAT WE DO
Trained in Forensic Disciplines
SIU team members are professionally trained in a wide range of forensic disciplines, including:
- Crime scene investigation and documentation
- DNA collection and preservation
- Fingerprint and palm print identification
- Shoe and tire impression analysis
- California property and evidence laws
- Evidence handling, storage, and chain of custody procedures
- Digital forensics extraction software
Their expertise ensures that critical evidence is collected, processed, and preserved to the highest standards.
PROPERTY & EVIDENCE
How to Retrieve Your Property
SIU manages all property and evidence for the Sheriff’s Office, including over 25,000 items such as firearms, narcotics, digital devices, and other property. Staff track and maintain these items and work to resolve each one as quickly as possible. Depending on the case, property may be returned to its rightful owner, kept for department use, donated, or safely destroyed in accordance with all applicable laws.
PROPERTY TYPES
How Long We Hold Items
Safekeeping Property. Held for up to sixty (60) days, per California Civil Code Section 2080.10. To recover, present a property receipt issued by the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office.
Found Property. Held for up to ninety (90) days, per California Civil Code Section 2080–2080.2. To recover, provide proof of ownership.
Evidence. Held until court proceedings have been completed and the case has been adjudicated. Releases require an Evidence Release Letter from the Imperial County District Attorney’s Office and/or approval from the lead investigator.
Firearms. Held for up to one hundred and eighty (180) days per California Penal Code Section 33875. Firearms require additional clearance before release (see below).
APPOINTMENTS
Property Release Process
All property releases require an appointment. No property will be released without an appointment. To schedule an appointment, please call (442) 265-2053.
If you have property or evidence retained for investigation, processing, or safekeeping, contact SIU to check the status or determine whether it is eligible for release. Key requirements:
- Evidence is released by appointment only
- Proper identification is required
- Some items may require additional authorization before release
FIREARMS RELEASE
Steps to Recover a Firearm
Firearms retained for safekeeping, found property, or as evidence may not be released without a California Law Enforcement Gun Release (LEGR) document.
Process:
- Ensure all weapons are registered to you
- Obtain a California Law Enforcement Gun Release letter through the California Department of Justice
- Once the eligibility letter is received, you have 30 days to schedule an appointment and pick up the firearm
- Bring your letter to your appointment — SIU staff will verify your eligibility
- If eligible, the firearm is released minus any ammunition (no ammunition will be released)