International Association for Property and Evidence, Inc.
Evidence Log - Volume 2003 Number 2

DIALOGUE: Learning from other Property and Evidence professionals! 

Dialogue between Tim Downey, Mountain View (CA) Police Department, and IAPE Executive Director Joe Latta: 

Downey: I have a question about Aspergillus. I read the articles in the Evidence Log and it is a real concern here at Mountain View PD. I really don't trust our air circulation/filtration system. More problematic, we have some marijuana that came in and has been stored in a metal locker outside of the property room. I'm sure it has mold, but I can't tell if it is toxic, specifically aspergillus. Are there any companies that will come out and inspect and/or clean up sites possibly infected with this mold? 

Thanks, Tim Downey 

Latta: Tim, you need to be looking for an "industrial hygienist." Check the yellow pages for the nearest major metropolitan area, contact a large Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning contractor, or call the State Licensing Board. They will contract to come in and monitor the quality of air, and either certify it non-toxic or make recommendations for remediation.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

Dialogue between Jim Stull, Beaver Creek (OH) Police Department, and IAPE Executive Director Joe Latta:

Stull: After I request and receive approval from respective courts to destroy property no longer needed, it is destroyed as such. Several people in the department want that to be witnessed. How can you find the people to do that in a small Department? 

Latta: Jim, you identified the biggest problem with the witness issue - finding the person when you need them. You need to get a commitment from the others as to who will provide the person, and what notice would be required. It really is to your benefit, and in our classes we always recommend a documented witness to destruction of guns and narcotics, and to all money transfers. Many departments allow other things to be disposed of by the Property Officer alone, but unless you videotape it you are defenseless against someone questioning your integrity. 

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Copyright © 2006 International Association for Property and Evidence, Inc.
Reprinted from the Evidence Log, Volume 2003, Number 2, Page 52



Copyright © 2003-2007 International Association for Property and Evidence, Inc.



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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