The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Police Property and Evidence Section has the responsibility of receiving, documenting, storing and maintaining the integrity and security of all items of property and evidence submitted by WDFW Officers. The Property and Evidence Section manages seven evidence facilities across the State of Washington. The section currently consists of three evidence technicians and a manager.
WDFW Police Evidence Technicians are required to ensure Federal and State laws are met related to seizures, forfeitures, prisoner property, and lost or found property. Additionally, they lend support to officers with search warrants. Extensive inventories are conducted on all narcotics, weapons, electronics and currency, which are categorized as high risk items.
How to Reclaim Confiscated Property
Once the associated case has been adjudicated property will be released to the rightful owner or their designee with proper authorization and a valid photo identification (such as a driver's license, ID card or passport). To ensure we can provide you with efficient service you must make an appointment to have your property returned. To request an appointment you will need to contact the Property/Evidence Technician responsible for evidence in the area where your evidence was seized (contact info listed below).
Release of Firearms
Washington State law requires that any time a firearm is reclaimed from a law enforcement agency the owner must undergo a background check through Washington State Patrol's ACCESS Section. The Request/Authorization for Firearms Pre-Release Checks form must be completed by the lawful owner of the firearm and mailed or e-mailed to the appropriate Evidence Technician. Instructions for completing this form are available below. The approval process can take up to three weeks. Do not submit your paperwork prior to disposition of your case and until all judicial proceedings have been completed.
| Evidence Technician | Counties of Responsibility | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|
| Greg Dutton Northwest Evidence Tech | Clark, Clallam, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Klickitat, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Skamania, Snohomish, Thurston, Whatcom, Wahkiakum | 425-341-2064 greg.dutton@dfw.wa.gov 16018 Mill Creek Blvd. Mill Creek, WA 98012 |
| Terry Ray-Smith Eastside Evidence Tech | Adams, Asotin, Benton, Chelan, Columbia, Douglas, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Kittitas, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Walla Walla, Whitman, Yakima | 509-892-1001, ext. 348 terry.raysmith@dfw.wa.gov 2315 North Discovery Place Spokane, WA 99216 |
Our evidence technicians cover large areas of the state and are often out in the field and not available at the regional evidence facilities. If you reach their voicemail please leave a message and they will return your call at their earliest convenience.
Unclaimed Property
When the WDFW Police receives unclaimed property, details of the property are made available on this website. If you believe that any of this property belongs to you, you must claim it within 60 days of the date it was posted. All property remaining unclaimed after 60 days shall become the property of the State of Washington and will be disposed of in accordance with applicable RCWs. To claim property listed please contact the Evidence Section and have the associated case number available for reference. You will be required to give a description of the property and in some cases may be required to show proof of ownership.
| Date logged | Incident Report Number | Description | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8/20/2024 | N240080038 | Gas Generator | 6 |
| 8/20/2024 | 240700471 | Fishing Pole and Reel | 1 |
| 8/20/2024 | 240700471 | Fishing Pole and Reel | 1 |
| 8/20/2024 | 240400611 | Fishing Pole and Reel | 2 |