PURPOSE
The purpose of this correspondence is to establish uniform guidelines for the care of a person’s money, during their detention. Nothing in this order shall conflict with the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department’s Manual of Policy and Procedures, directives, newsletters, and/or case law.
SCOPE
This directive applies to sworn personnel’s responsibility to care for a detainee’s money.
ORDER
When conducting a stop, you are responsible for the detainee’s money during the detention. Once you discover and/or take possession of the detained person’s money, it is recommended that you personally hand the money back to the person as soon as possible in the event of no arrest. Preferably, this should be done in front of your partner, or a witness.
It is not advised to leave a detainee’s money on the hood, trunk, or other parts of the patrol vehicle.
For additional information regarding your responsibility as it relates to property, refer to the Manual of Policy and Procedures 5-4/000.00: Property and Evidence-Authority and Responsibility.