Property & Evidence

If your vehicle has been impounded and you were not provided forfeiture paperwork contact your local tow company.

If your vehicle has been impounded with pending forfeiture action, follow these instructions:

• Do not go directly to the Sheriff’s Impound Lot. You will not be allowed access to your vehicle and no items inside your vehicle will be released. 
• The impound lot cannot release your vehicle or property without the Sheriff’s Office approval.

Questions regarding impounded vehicles should be directed to the investigating deputy or detective. If you do not know the name of the deputy or detective who is assigned to the case, call 651-430-7600.

Firearms Disposal

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office will take your unwanted firearms and destroy them if you have exhausted all other disposal resources.

You can contact our Property/Evidence Clerk at 651-430-7835 and make an appointment to turn in your unwanted firearms.

Please note: The Sheriff’s Office does not take ammunition or explosives.

If your property has been seized by a member of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, here are some helpful facts to know.

It is vital you contact the Sheriff’s Office to set up an appointment in order to retrieve your property. Property and Evidence is a highly restricted area with laws and regulations governing access. Therefore it is vital you call in advance to ensure someone with access is able to help you.

Evidence Unit: 651-430-7835

Evidence Unit hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Have your case number or ICR number available prior to calling.

There are evidence units at all city police departments; please direct your call to the arresting agency and only call Washington County Sheriff’s Office if you were arrested by Washington County Deputy.

The Evidence Technician cannot release your property without the approval of the investigating deputy or detective. If you do not know the name of the deputy or detective who is assigned to the case, call 651-430-7600.

Questions regarding non-vehicle property should be directed to the Evidence Unit at 651-430-7835. If you have property that has been cleared for release, schedule an appointment prior to coming to the Sheriff’s Office to retrieve it.

Before contacting the Property and Evidence Unit:

You must have authorization from the investigating deputy or detective indicating the property is available for release (either verbal or written).

If you have been contacted by a member of the Sheriff’s Office, then authorization has been received and this information has been forwarded to the Property and Evidence Unit. You only need to schedule an appointment to pick it up.

Retrieval of property is by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call 651-430-7835.

Please note: Property and Evidence is a highly restricted and secure area. Sheriff’s Office employees have restricted access to this area due to laws and regulations governing evidence. Therefore it is vital you call in advance for an appointment to pick up your property.