NCJ Number
123760
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 57 Issue: 4 Dated: (April 1990) Pages: 50,52-53
Date Published
1990
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Barcodes have proven to be efficient and reliable adjuncts to the traditional property/evidence tags.
Abstract
The property control function is an important part of any law enforcement agency's duties. Accountability for all property in the possession of an agency requires constant attention to detail and careful documentation. A failure in this area is devastating to the reputation of an agency and the careers of the officers responsible for the property control operation. The barcode system provides: (1) automated logging in/out of evidence and property; (2) an audit trail for money and drugs booked into the property room; (3) assistance in locating lost and found property utilizing the computer's search capabilities; and (4) printed management and audit reports. Also provided are preparation of letters to citizens advising them to claim property; printed disposition logs for all items; and assistance with the inventory process. Advances in computer technology will continue to provide tools that maintain effective control of all types of property in custody.