This article is being written to expose our readers to the pros and cons of the back door auction, along with several other options.  Some of the questions that always get asked about the auction: 1.) Why do law enforcement agencies do their own auction? Answer: "Because we always have".  2.) Do we make any money? Answer: Probably not - the department never sees it anyway. 3.) Why do we do them so infrequently? Answer: Nobody has the time to stage them or find the time to actually do them and almost no one knows about our lack of space. 4.) What is the most frequently auctioned item? Answer: Bicycles.

There are basically three options for conducting the auction: In-house, Contract Service and On Line Auctions.

In-House Auctions
There are a number of issues that affect the operation of public police auctions. The following outlines the areas that need to be considered: 

•  Time of year
The time of year can have a bearing on the number of citizens that attend the function. Always take into account weather factors that may hinder the attendance. 

•  Security 

Due to the fact that items of value may be easily accessible, it's always a wise practice to provide some type of visible security. 

•  Appraisals
Any time items of significant value such as jewelry, coins and other collectibles are to be auctioned, it is suggested that the items be appraised for fair market value. 

•  Facility
Sponsoring a department auction can be very successful. However, they should make a profit and provide an atmosphere that makes citizens want to return to the auction. Include in the planning of the auction a catering truck, restrooms, seating, and shade for senior citizens.

•  Monetary policies
The use of credit cards has become the norm in the spending habits of our citizens. It is best to develop both a check policy and credit card policy. If credit cards are accepted there is a far greater likelihood that the attendees will spend more money. If a city sponsored auction is conducted, attempt to utilize personnel from the finance department or other such function to handle each currency transaction. This provides an additional internal control while separating the collection of money away from the police department.

•  Employee purchases
A good practice to avoid any conflict of interest is to prohibit department employees associated with the property function or the associated case from bidding on those items. 

Outside Vendor
One of the more popular methods of conducting the auction is to contract to a local auctioneer for pickup, sale and documentation. One of the most beneficial aspects of this process is that the auctioneer can be called on a weekly, monthly, quarterly or yearly basis. In the past, property rooms across the country have designated a particular part of the room for auction items. If the auction only occurs once every 12 months, the volume of the evidence could be substantial. By notifying the auctioneer on a regular basis the amount of space for auction items can be significantly reduced. 

Allocate a relatively small area in the Property Room know as "Ready for Auction". When the location is full, contact the auction company and transfer the items as quickly as possible. Any time items are relinquished to a third-party (auctioneer) it is always suggested that the paper trail or auction list mirror the items being given to the vendor. In other words, every item being sent to the auctioneer should be documented with the case number, item number, control number and concise description of the item. 

Internet Sales
The latest type of auction service available to law-enforcement agencies is the utilization of the Internet. The basic concept is similar to the outside vendor, but the sales are conducted over the Internet as opposed to a traditional auction warehouse. The items are refurbished, photographed, and described for the posting. The items are posted in the same manner as items being posted on E-Bay. There is a significant difference in fee structures as the internet company charges a larger commission, however the audience is substantially larger than the typical company. 

As every one that works in the property room will agree, there just isn't enough time or space for us do the job efficiently. Why not develop practices that allow us to get rid of the adjudicated cases as quickly as possible. It doesn't really make sense to wait until you have enough to have an auction. Get rid of it today!!