How Does Shakopee Police Department Handle Evidence?

Press release from the City of Shakopee:

June 5, 2020

The Shakopee Police Department handles a variety of evidence used to help investigators solve and assist with the prosecution of crimes. The city's evidence technician is responsible for managing the evidence and documenting the chain of custody for each item.

How do you collect evidence?

Police officers and investigators collect evidence on scene following an incident using a variety of collection techniques from DNA collection to surveillance retrieval. This evidence is carefully collected, documented, stored and analyzed to maintain its integrity throughout the investigation process.

How do you store evidence?

The police department has an evidence room dedicated to the safe storage of items. Some evidence is stored on site while other items required additional analysis and testing off site.

Evidence storage depends on the type collected. For example, biological evidence is often stored in a refrigerator or freezer. Items that have DNA on them need to be stored in paper bags or boxes to prevent mold.

How long does the Police Department keep evidence?

Evidence is kept for two years past the sentence date. For unresolved cases, our storage period is based on the statute of limitations and nature of the crime. Deceased, arson and unsolved sex crimes are permanent evidence.

What happens when evidence is no longer needed?

If an item has no value, we throw it. If it's valuable, we auction it.

How many pieces of evidence does the police department handle each year?

Our evidence technician processes approximately 5,000 items per year.

What are some of the most common evidence items collected?

Among the most collected evidence are surveillance, mail fraud items and stolen bikes.

This story originally appeared in the Summer 2020 Hometown Messenger.

This press release was produced by the City of Shakopee. The views expressed here are the author’s own.