# Sec. 18-114. Custody and disposition of personal property

Codified through Bill No. CB-018-2026, adopted May 12, 2026, effective July 24, 2026. Source: Municode, Supplement 2026 Update 2. Editorial notes and legislative history omitted.

## Sec. 18-114. Custody and disposition of personal property

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-114 (2026)

(a) The Police Department shall maintain custody of all personal property, equipment, incidental articles, and currency which may be turned over to, found, recovered or otherwise acquired or possessed by the Police Department.

(b) Upon the receipt by the Police Department of any personal property, equipment, incidental articles, or currency which is claimed to have been found by the person turning over such property to the Police Department, the Police Department shall inform that person that he is entitled to request the return of the property if the owner of the property fails to claim it within three (3) months of the date that the property is turned over to the Police Department. An appropriate claim form will be supplied the finder.

(c) Return to owner.

  (1) If any property coming into Police custody is reasonably and readily identifiable as to ownership, the Department shall make every reasonable effort to insure that the owner is notified.

  (2) Except as provided otherwise, the police property custodians shall return upon demand any property in police custody to the rightful owner on satisfactory evidence of ownership and after obtaining a proper receipt.

(d) Property held in police custody for three (3) months, or for three (3) months after notification to the purported owner, whichever is later, may be disposed of as follows:

  (1) In the absence of any claim by the owner, the property shall be deemed forfeited and may be returned to the finder if he has entered a claim as stated in Subsection (b), above.

  (2) If there is no claim by an owner or finder the property shall be deemed unclaimed and shall be transferred to the County Purchasing Agent for action in accordance with Section 18-115.

  (3) A handgun or automatic firearm shall not be returned to a finder but shall be subject to the provisions of Section 18-115(b).