How to Get a List of Stolen Items From the Police Station

You don't have to break open the evidence locker to obtain a police list of stolen items. Instead, request the information using the Freedom of Information Law.

As a taxpayer, you have the right to monitor the activities of your local police department, including the recovery of stolen property. Public records include things like officers' department statistics on arrests and the number of closed investigations. You are also entitled to information about suspects,witnesses, victims and physical evidence that is removed from a crime scene, including stolen property. Police agencies are not required to provide you with a list of stolen items, if such a document does not already exist, but you can make your own list of stolen items using other documents that police are required to maintain.

Instructions

1. Visit your local police department. Larger departments are more likely to have an evidence custodian and records clerks who specialize in public information requests. Ask to obtain from the evidence custodian a list of stolen items currently stored with the police department.

2. Ask the records person or a desk officer to search their computer database for a list of stolen items. Even if they don't have an evidence custodian or a log for checking evidence in and out of the department, they may be able to sort through cases by keywords, including theft, larceny or burglary. If they are unwilling to do this for you, ask to look through the police blotter yourself and request copies of all reports that note stolen property seizures.

3. Submit a Freedom of Information request. List your contact information and detail the information you are seeking. The department is not required to create a list of stolen items, if such a document does not already exist. Standard incident reports should include details of evidence seizures or property confiscation. Police agencies are not required to provide any information, however, that would jeopardize ongoing investigations, according to Privacy Rights Clearinghouse.

Tips & Warnings

• Submitting a Freedom of Information request should always be the last resort. It's better to see if agencies provide the information willingly.

References

• Privacy Rights Clearinghouse: From Cradle to Grave: Government Records and Your Privacy