5-04/130.00 - Inmate Property

Inmate Property (CATEGORY) refers to what was previously known as “bulk prisoner property” or “personal property.”  Every effort shall be made by Department personnel to ensure that a prisoner's property accompanies the prisoner upon transfer or release. In those cases where the property does not accompany the prisoner, the following steps shall be taken in accordance with section 5-03/200.00 Property of Prisoners:

• Property in the possession of an inmate at time of arrest which does not accompany the inmate to the custody facility shall be entered into PRELIMS as Inmate Property (CATEGORY) and stored in a secure location; 
• If the prisoner is still in custody, immediate steps shall be taken to locate and transfer the property to the facility or agency holding the prisoner or an attempt to release the property to a relative or agency of the prisoner shall be made;
• If released from custody, efforts shall be made to contact the prisoner or a representative to claim the property;
• If unable to transfer or release the property, the property shall be stored in the station’s property and evidence storage room for a minimum of 30 days from the item’s booking date in PRELIMS after which it shall be transferred to Central Property.

Inmate Property transferred to the Central Property custodian shall be retained no longer than 150 days from the item’s booking date in PRELIMS to allow time for release to the inmate or his/her designated representative.  If the property is not released within this period, property will be disposed of by the Central Property custodian as allowed by Government Code section 26642.  Prior to disposal, the Department may acquire the property if it can be put to public use or the property can be auctioned. See section 5-04/190.20 Acquisition Request and Release of Unclaimed Property.