RANDOLPH COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

2.3.1 Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish standardized procedures for the proper handling, documentation, storage, and return of detainee property at the Randolph County Detention Center. This policy ensures accountability, prevents loss or theft, and protects both detainee rights and agency liability.

2.3.2 Policy Statement

All personal property belonging to detainees shall be properly inventoried, secured, and maintained from the time of intake until lawful release or authorized transfer. Staff shall exercise due care in handling all property and maintain accurate documentation at all times.

2.3.3 Property Intake Procedures

Upon admission, all detainee property shall be:

• Removed from the detainee in a controlled and secure environment;

• Inspected for contraband or prohibited items;

• Inventoried in detail on an approved Property Inventory Form;

• Verified in the presence of the detainee when feasible;

• Secured in designated storage areas;

The detainee shall be required to acknowledge the inventory by signature. If the detainee refuses, the refusal shall be documented and witnessed by staff.

2.3.4 Property Classification

Detainee property shall be categorized as follows:

• Personal Property: Clothing, identification, personal items;

• Valuables: Money, jewelry, electronics, or items of significant value;

• Contraband: Any prohibited or illegal items (subject to seizure and investigation);

• Evidence: Items related to criminal activity (handled per evidence procedures);

2.3.5 Money and Valuables

• All currency shall be counted and documented in the presence of the detainee;

• Funds shall be deposited into the detainee’s trust account in accordance with facility procedures;

• Valuables shall be secured in designated locked storage with restricted access;

2.3.6 Storage and Security

• Property shall be stored in a secure, controlled-access area;

• Property shall be organized and labeled to ensure accurate identification;

• Access to property storage areas shall be limited to authorized personnel only;

• Regular inspections shall be conducted to ensure accountability;

2.3.7 Property Access During Detention

Detainees shall not have access to stored property unless authorized by facility policy or supervisory approval. Any authorized access shall be documented.

2.3.8 Property Release Procedures

Upon release, transfer, or court order:

• Property shall be returned to the detainee or authorized individual;

• Identity shall be verified prior to release;

• Property shall be reviewed with the receiving party;

• A signature acknowledging receipt shall be obtained;

• Staff shall sign and document the release;

If property is released to a third party, proper authorization and identification shall be required.

2.3.9 Unclaimed Property

Property not claimed upon release shall be handled in accordance with applicable laws and agency policy. Reasonable efforts shall be made to notify the owner prior to disposal.

2.3.10 Contraband and Evidence

Contraband and evidence shall not be returned. Such items shall be:

• Seized and documented;

• Logged appropriately;

• Transferred to evidence in accordance with agency procedures;

• Investigated when necessary;

2.3.11 Documentation Requirements

All property transactions shall be documented, including:

• Intake inventory forms;

• Property transfers;

• Property release receipts;

• Incident reports for discrepancies;

2.3.12 Compliance and Accountability

Any loss, damage, or discrepancy involving detainee property shall be reported immediately and investigated. Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action and/or administrative review.