The Evidence Room is tasked with the custody and control of items of evidence, which are stored pending charges and trial. The Evidence Room maintains a large, secure, climate-controlled warehouse, two large, walk-in freezers, a large, walk-in refrigerator, and a vehicle impound lot, all of which keep evidence in courtroom ready condition for presentation at trial. Each item is packaged separately and sealed to maintain integrity. Much of this evidence, especially in homicides and major sex crimes, must be kept by statute, for a minimum of 55 years. Homicide evidence is kept for 99 years. The movement and chain of custody of this evidence are controlled by signature.

The Evidence Section is responsible for maintaining the integrity of evidence and chain of custody of all property that comes into their possession in accordance with state laws, city ordinances, and departmental policies and procedures.

Evidence personnel are responsible for receiving, storing, releasing and maintaining security of a wide variety of items. Property received by the Evidence Section includes, but is not limited to, cash, jewelry, guns and various weapons, narcotics, vehicles, bikes, blood samples, urine samples and other evidence related to assaults, homicides, and other crimes.

Claiming Property

To find out the status of your property, please call (928) 373-4775. Because some items are stored off-site it is suggested that you call to see if an appointment is necessary. You may call the number above or e-mail us to make an appointment.

• Claiming Safekeeping Property: To claim safekeeping property, it is suggested that you call the Evidence section to see if an appointment is necessary. You will need to bring a current government issued photo identification and the case number involving the items you wish to claim.
   
• Claiming Property Listed as Evidence: Contact the current case officer to request a Disposition Form be completed. The Evidence section is unable to return any items listed as evidence until this form has been submitted.  Call (928) 373-4700 for information regarding your case.  
   
• Claiming Property on Behalf of Others: If you wish to claim property on someone's behalf or would like someone to pick up your property for you, you must provide a notarized letter, tank order or power of attorney naming the individual you are authorizing to claim the property.
  
  
• Claiming Found Property: If you have lost property, you may view a list of found property in possession of the Yuma Police Department and instructions for claiming items that belong to you on our Found Property page.
 

Property may be picked up at the Yuma Police Department, 1500 South 1st Avenue, Yuma, AZ 85364. The public entrance is located on the north side of the police building.

Stolen Bicycles

If your bicycle has been stolen in Yuma, please call the Yuma Police Department at (928) 783-4421 to report the theft . If the value of the bicycle is less than $1,000, you can file a theft report online. You will need to provide a very good description of the bicycle, including the brand name, model name, serial number, size, number of gear speeds and any special features the bicycle may have.

Once you have reported your bicycle stolen, you may call the Evidence section at (928) 373-4775 to inquire if it has been found. If an item has been found, an owner has 30 days to retrieve the property or it will be disposed of, auctioned or donated, per policy.

Items held as found property may be transferred to the finder under certain circumstances.

Professional Evidence Associations

The Yuma Police Evidence Unit follows evidence management principals as supported by both the International and Arizona Associations for Property and Evidence.

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact the following:

• Email Supervisor Victoria Argento at Victoria.Argento@yumaaz.gov.