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Property & Evidence
The Property & Evidence custodians receive, document, store, and maintain the integrity and security of all property and evidence received by the Stanley Police Department.
An appointment is required, as this helps us ensure we have custody of the property and that it has been authorized to be released to the owner.
The Stanley Police Department releases property by appointment only. To make an appointment, go to the Make an Appointment to Pick Up Property tab.
To better assist our staff with locating your property, please follow the link below to schedule your appointment and include as much information as possible. Depending on the case, you may be required to present proof of ownership.
In accordance with State law, if the owner of found property cannot be located after 180 days, the finder has the right to claim the property (with the exception of weapons and drugs). If no claim is made, the property will be auctioned, with the exception of:
- Weapons and drugs, which are destroyed
- Bicycles, which are donated to an appropriate charitable organization after 30 days
- Money, which is given to the Gaston County Public Schools
To inquire about your property, please contact our Evidence Custodians by using the Contact Information tab listed below.
To better assist our staff with locating your property, please include your name, date of birth, phone number, and case number in your message. Depending on the case, you may be asked to provide proof of ownership.
Items held as evidence will be retained until the case has received a final disposition by the court. If you believe your case has been resolved and have questions about your property, please contact the assigned case officer.
All items held as evidence require an original court order signed by both the appropriate District Attorney and Judge to be eligible for release to the rightful owner. If you or your attorney has independently obtained an original court order that has been signed by the judge, please e-mail the staff listed in the Contact Information tab below. Walk-in requests for property and evidence will not be accepted.
What to bring with you ...
- The original signed court order
- A valid, government-issued photo ID
- You may submit a notarized letter authorizing a designated person to receive property on your behalf if you are unable to retrieve your property in person.
The return of a firearm requires a signed Form AOC-CR-218 Petition and Order Disposing of Firearm, in addition to a federally mandated criminal background check to ensure that the owner can legally possess a firearm under state and federal law.
What to submit when requesting the return of a firearm:
- Valid driver’s license
- All applicable court documents, including Form AOC-CR-218
- Firearm Release Request
- Proof of ownership
Please click on the link to access Form AOC-CR-218 Petition to Dispose of Firearm
Firearms returns can take up to 30 days after receipt of the above documentation. Additional paperwork may be required.
Firearms WILL NOT be released to any person if any of the following is applicable:
- Anyone under the age of 21
- Any Felony conviction
- Probation restrictions prohibiting the possession of firearms
- Restraining orders prohibiting the possession of firearms
To better assist our staff with locating your property, please include your name, date of birth, phone number, and case number in your message.