Dialogue between Property Officer Janet Garrison, Lenexa (KS) Police Department, and IAPE Executive Director Joe Latta: 

Garrison: I attended one of your training seminars in Burbank, CA a couple of years ago and enjoyed it very much. I returned to my property room with new enthusiasm and was able to solve several problems we were facing. I am now faced with a new dilemma and would appreciate any help or advice you could give me. My Captain wants to eliminate the handling of cash in our property room by depositing all cash bookings into a bank account. I am aware that some departments nationwide do deposit their cash bookings, but most that I have spoken to have a cut off at a particular amount. Our department wants to deposit all money bookings, except where the actual money is of particular evidentiary value. I have several concerns about this. First, does this cause undue delay in returning money to the proper owner? Does a delay of a few days for processing violate a court ordered return? 

Latta: Janet, I am not aware of any procedural issues with the delay. Agencies across the country have been booking money for years. If someone makes an issue and threatens a lawsuit, then that's why our departments have attorneys. Every few years someone might try to create an issue, but generally speaking, people just want their property back. (NOTE: Be sure to see the first item in the "It Could Be Worse" article in this issue.)

Garrison: If a large amount of money was deposited and held for several months or years before being ordered returned, are we responsible for also providing the interest that was earned on that cash to the owner? 

Latta: The interest issue generally is determined by department or city policy. Few states require interest to be paid, but I would suggest that you have your City Attorney confirm that there is no state statute requirement for interest payment. I would suspect that 99% or your "clientele" will be thrilled to get any money back, and if not, it's job security for your City Attorney.