Since 1986 I have observed our volume of evidence grow from 12,000 to 41,000 items processed annually. Our storage has grown from three locations to six including a soon to be completed Bio-Chemical Hazard room in our police garage. These volatile property items will no longer be combined with other evidence. We are presently developing procedures for the packaging, booking, processing, and storing of these items outside of work areas and the police station. One storage facility is entirely dedicated to the storage of archival evidence associated with case reports generated from 1971 through 1995. Unsolved crimes as well as those which could be subject to appeal have been permanently sealed in corrugated crates in a warehouse setting some six miles northwest of our police station.

I was requested to submit an article for our newsletter on the subject of how the Police Property function has changed from the perspective of management. Reflecting over my career I can recall experiences and changes which have impacted our profession both positively and in some instances in a negative sense. Many Colorado agencies have realized the impact of population growth through the volume of our evidence collected and the increase in violent crime. However, police chiefs, district attorneys and the media have grown to appreciate the importance of sound property and evidence management. Several professional organizations throughout the country including C.A.P.E.T. now represent property clerks and storekeepers as evidence technicians trained in many disciplines of collection, preservation and documentation of physical evidence. Additionally in the last five years all too often evidence technicians have been the focus of high profile trials where the lack of credibility of the police investigation and evidence handling has become a focus for the Defense.

It would appear that what was once a behind the scenes police function with little or no publicity in 1986 has become a target for media attention and a steamy topic of conversation at cocktail parties in 1998. Since most supervisors and managers of Property Units must delegate direct responsibility for evidence handling now more than ever the single most important qualities we look for in staffing must be integrity, reliability and work effectiveness. Evidence technicians often have the highest confidence of management but all too often the least amount of support in budgetary and other decisions. Lets face facts, given the incredible amount of issues facing police chiefs today when can they have time to even think about the property function? Middle management must be supportive of training opportunities for evidence technicians and involved in other department affairs to a degree where we will be in a position to lobby for the needs of our respective units. Not very long ago there was little attention given to the Property Unit until a problem was detected. Proactive planning for space, staffing and safety concerns can be the only successful approach to police property management as we head into the next millennium. Modern techniques for packaging, specialized storage including refrigeration and remote storage for hazardous materials should be concerns for not only for property personnel but also those of police management. The Colorado Association of Property and Evidence Technicians has without a doubt developed the very best medium available regionally to enhance the training and establish the credibility for our community of evidence professionals. I support C.A.P.E.T as a member and as a manager because it assists me within my city government to approach issues on behalf of a professional organization with established recommended guidelines.

With the closing of the states only certified incinerator to burn controlled substances, many agencies are left scrambling to find a suitable alternative. The old days of taking a load of drugs to the dump, pouring gasoline on them and lighting them ablaze are just about gone. Many agencies are struggling to find the next best solution. While the availability of shipping drugs to other locations throughout the country still exists, it seems not to be very popular with most. This can be very cost prohibited and unreliable. We like to see and verify the drugs being disposed; shipping them out of state does not allow that. In addition it is very expensive and we are all on a limited budget. We have looked into the possibility of having the drugs disposed of with a company east of Bennett. Conservation Services Inc (CSI) is licensed to dispose of non hazardous waste through a unique process. This includes mixing the drugs with contaminated oil, sludge and other non-hazardous wastes, then solidifying it with a type of concrete powder. Once hardened, the blocks are then landfilled on their location safely. The entire process costs about the same as burning does and doesn't take much time. Some agencies maintain that the Hot Ash or Grave Machine is still an excellent solution. The grave machine is a 55-gallon drum that is specially fitted with blowers and has been permitted by the EPA to burn controlled substances. The machine has a one time cost to purchase and then very low maintenance costs following. Some still question the safety and use of these burners but, it is important to remember they must be operated correctly to be effective and safe. While the debate rages on, we have asked a representative from both companies to demonstrate each at the spring conference. As always it is up to each agency to make an informed decision about their procedures and upcoming policy changes, we hope to better educate each agency as to their options.