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Ask Joe...
Each month, IAPE's primary instructor, Joe Latta, answers one of your questions. Consider writing us if you have a question that needs an answer. We would love to hear from you.
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QUESTION
Dear Joe,
Last year we conducted a search warrant with numerous arrests in a nearby community and seized hundreds if not thousands of stolen items. Once the case was concluded we obtained approval from the prosecutor to purge the remaining evidence. Inside of one of the suitcases were 100's of Gift Cards from every business you can imagine. With the assistance of another neighboring department, who had ERAD Prepaid Card Reader that provided us the ability to validate the value of each card. Much to our surprise it was thousands of dollars in value. Now... My question: what are other departments doing with these cards after the case is adjudicated? 
Thanks,
Mike Gotacard
ANSWER
Dear Mike,
Great question. I sent the questions to 4 relative large departments from coast to coast. As usual, I found out that NO ONE is doing it the same way.
- One department decided it was not worth spending the time checking each card, so they are cut them up and destroyed.
- The 2nd department, turned them over to the financial unit and let them take card
- The 3rd department send them to auction. I made a further inquiry and found that PropertyRoom.com will handle
- The 4th department gives them to local charities
For additional information I have included the following information from the Department of Homeland Security:
Joe
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Events and Trends
If you have ever attended any of our training classes, we always discuss Events and Trends that have some affect on the handling and storage of evidence. During the last 12 months, the headlines surrounding Fentanyl overdose have exploded. On June 12th, on my daily review of news stories (www.googlenews.com), I captured over 12 newspaper articles involving overdose stories and deaths, on Thursday alone, all of which has a bearing on the collection and storage of this drug.
At the same time, I ran across a very informative YouTube presentation put together for the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police), who, historically, have been extremely cognizant of employee safety issues. When the RCMP disseminates information, they are reaching their nearly 30,000 member immediately. The included production provides an outstanding training video for the handling and packaging of Fentanyl.
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Photo of the Month
Firearm Storage
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GOOD
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BAD
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The Property and Evidence By The Book 2nd Edition is the most comprehensive book ever written about the management of the property and evidence function. This edition is over 400 pages of valuable information on how to operate and manage your evidence room. The revised addition is 30% more in total content than the previous edition.
Property and Evidence By The Book 2nd Edition is written around the IAPE Certification Standards along with definitions, explanations, concepts, forms, photos, case studies and policy elements.
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This book provides several different systems to use when organizing your Evidence Room. Being organized can prevent loss, damage or mishandling of valuable evidence. Learn how to properly package, label, and store items by categories. Also ideas for using color coding and much more. The author is a retired Police Lieutenant who served 30 years in law enforcement including over 5 years managing the Property and Evidence Unit.
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IAPE Property & Evidence Room Accreditation
Increase your value!
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IAPE Property and Evidence Room Accreditation© is available for all law enforcement agencies who have responsibility for property and evidence received and maintained in the normal scope of their operation.
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July 11 - 12, 2017
Class Full
July 26 - 27, 2017
Only 6 Seats Left
August 7 - 8, 2017
Only 9 Seats Left
August 14 - 15, 2017
Only 11 Seats Left
August 22 - 23, 2017
Only 9 Seats Left
August 29 - 30, 2017
Class Full
September 12 - 13, 2017
NMPET Conference
September 12 - 13, 2017
September 26 - 27, 2017
Only 6 Seats Left
October 18 - 19, 2017
Only 19 Seats Left
October 30 - 31, 2017
November 7 - 8, 2017
November 14 - 15, 2017
December 4 - 5, 2017
2018 Classes
February 26 - 27, 2018
March 28 - 29, 2018
April 4 - 5, 2018
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ONLINE TRAINING
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New feature on the
IAPE Website!
All of our past newsletters are now available and searchable by topic!
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Got a Job?
Need a Job?
IAPE is delighted to announce that we have a new section for posting a job announcement or checking job opportunities.
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