Evidence/Crime Lab
The SLCPD Evidence Unit receives, catalogs, stores and releases property and evidence obtained by officers of SLCPD. The unit is comprised of four full time civilian "Technicians," two part-time (retired) SLCPD police officers and a Detective Sergeant.
The unit is open for service Monday thru Friday 8 AM to 4 PM - Holidays excluded. For questions about property or evidence, please call (801) 799-3041.
Crime Lab
The Salt Lake City Police Department Crime Lab Unit responds to field calls for service to process crime scenes for forensic evidence and photographs. Members of the Crime Lab also perform specialized forensic processing in a laboratory setting at the request of follow-up detectives.
Among the forensic disciplines available in the laboratory setting are fingerprint comparisons, AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System) submission to identify unknown people via fingerprints, serial number restorations, footwear and tire impression evaluations, questioned document evaluations, and forensic composite art.
The Crime Lab began moving toward an all-civilian staff in the mid 1990s, after being staffed by sworn police officers for nearly 50 years prior. George Throckmorton was hired as the first civilian Crime Lab Manager. He retired in 2005 and was replaced by Jim Hill, a retired Salt Lake City Police Sergeant, in October of 2006. The Crime Lab presently is staffed with 16 Crime Lab Technicians, three Crime Lab Supervisors and one Crime Lab Office Technician, in addition to the Crime Lab Manager. Crime Lab Technicians responded to 8,951 field calls for service during 2008 and processed 1,216 requests for in-laboratory forensic processing.
The Crime Lab also responds to requests from many different entities for compact discs containing crime scene photographs. Nearly 150 compacts discs are "burned" weekly with photographs in response to requests from prosecutors, defense attorneys, insurance companies, police detectives, and private citizens.
Crime Lab Technicians are available around the clock, 365 days a year to respond to field calls for service. The Crime Lab was granted three new technician positions along with one new supervisor position for fiscal 2008/2009 to reach our present staffing levels.
Crime Lab Technicians are regularly recognized for their very descriptive police reports and for their attention to detail, which affords opportunities for solving many diverse types of crimes committed in Salt Lake City. Crime Lab Technicians are always ready with a camera. As such, the Police Department and Salt Lake City frequently request a tech to document historical events.
Most Crime Lab Technicians have college degrees in a forensic science discipline and have obtained specialized training beyond their formal college education. Advanced training is encouraged and supported to enhance the skills and expertise of Crime Lab Technicians.
FAQ's
Q: What do I need to obtain my property from the police department?
A: To obtain a police report, you need two(2) things: 1) Police department case number or property owners full name, description of property and serial number (if known). 2) Government issued picture identification.
Q: What if I do not have government issued picture ID?
A: You will need a copy of booking sheet or some other means to confirm your identity.
Q: Should I call before coming in to pick up my property?
A: You will need a copy of booking sheet or some other means to confirm your identity.
Q: Should I call before coming in to pick up my property?
Calling before allows us to confirm your property is available for release and schedule an appointment for timely releases.
Q: Can I pick up property for a friend or relative?
Yes. You must have a notarized letter from the owner stating the owner has asked you to pick up their property.
Q: May I claim property that I found? How?
Yes. You must petition the Chief of police after 90 days from the day you turned in the property. A letter petitioning the return of the property should be directed to the Chief of Salt Lake City Police. Attention Sergeant Thorum.
Q: How can I find out if you have my property?
The easiest way to identify your property is by the manufacturer's serial number. You may call (801) 799-3041 with the details of your property and we will search the data base. Without a serial number, it is difficult to clearly identify the property as yours due to the manufacture of many similar items. i.e.: a scratch on a car does not identify the car, but the manufacturers Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) does.
Q: What kind of information do I need to keep in case my property is lost or stolen?
Keeping a description of the make and serial numbers of your valuables in a safe place will assist in identifying your property if your property is taken. It also allows us to enter your stolen property into a national database allowing recovery when observed outside Salt Lake City Jurisdiction.