Evidence and Property
The Evidence and Property Unit is responsible for receiving, cataloging, storing, and maintaining all evidence collected during Sheriff's Office investigations. The Unit is also responsible for returning property to the rightful owner at the conclusion of an investigation or disposing of such in accordance with Oregon Revised Statutes.
The Evidence employees do not have the authority to release property taken as evidence without prior authorization from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office case officer or the Marion County District Attorney’s Office. Evidence and Property Room employees can facilitate the process for release of property, but they do not determine what property can be released or when it can be released.
Release of Property
Property is released by appointment only. Please contact (503) 588-5077 to schedule an appointment.
Evidence and property that is no longer needed for court proceedings, and the owner is known, will be released. The Evidence employees send a letter to the last known address on file at the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles, stating the property may be picked up.
Evidence and property used in the commission of a crime, such as controlled substances or related instruments and/or contraband, which are unlawfully used or possessed, will be destroyed. Property will not be released to the owner without photo identification (driver’s license, state ID card, passport, etc.). In the case of recovered stolen property, you may be asked to supply proof of ownership.
If your property was collected or seized by another law enforcement agency within Marion County, you will need to contact that agency directly for the disposition of your property.
Disposal of Firearms and Ammunition
The Marion County Sheriff's Office will dispose of any unwanted firearms and ammunition for the general public. Do NOT take your firearms or ammunition to a county building for destruction. For more information, please contact (503) 588-5032.
Found Property: Rights & Duties of Finders and Owners
The following Oregon Revised Statutes pertains to found property:
ORS 98.005 Rights and Duties of finder of money or goods
In accordance with the requirements set out in the Oregon Revised Statutes, found property turned over to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office will be advertised in a local newspaper. If, after advertisement, the property remains unclaimed, it will be disposed of pursuant to law. If you are the finder of property and would like to exercise your rights as specified in ORS 98.005, or have questions about the statutes listed above and/or the duties required of a finder of property, please call the Evidence and Property Room staff at 503-588-5077.
