Property & Evidence

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Evidence Property

The Property & Evidence division is responsible for receiving, documenting, storing and maintaining the integrity and security of all items of property and evidence submitted to the Durham County Sheriff's Office. Property & Evidence maintains the custody and control of thousands of items of property and evidence. Property taken as evidence must be carefully safeguarded to prevent contamination and insure its value in court. If your case is being handled by the Durham Police Department they have their own property and evidence division. Please contact then at 919-560-4442

In addition to receiving and maintaining control of these items, Property & Evidence staff has the responsibility of monitoring and arranging disposition of each item as soon as possible. Items are released to the lawful owner, converted to department use, donated to local charities, scheduled for destruction, or sold to the general public through online auction.

The destruction of all narcotics, weapons, and other contraband is accomplished in accordance with all Federal, State, and County laws.

If you need to pick up lost, stolen, or seized property, or have questions, please contact the Property & Evidence Office at 919-560-7368 or forensicproperty@durhamsheriff.org. Please reference your name, contact information, case number, and description of item(s) in question. In order to retrieve property, please download and return the forms below via email. Someone will contact you within 5 business days to arrange an appointment.

Public Forms

PROPERTY RETURN PACKET

FIREARM RETURN PACKET

FAQs

How do I obtain a court order?

If you were represented by a lawyer, they should have obtained the order at the time your case was being heard. If this did not happen, please contact your attorney and request a signed court order though them. If you were not working with a lawyer, please see the Clerk of Courts on the first floor of the Durham County Courthouse. They will instruct you on how to obtain a court order.
I have a signed court order, what now?

Please see the attachments labeled PROPERTY RETURN PACKET, or FIREARM RELEASE PACKET on the Property page of our website. Submit your court order along with the corresponding packet according to the provided instructions. You may also come in person to the 2^nd floor of Sheriff’s Office to pick up a packet and submit the paperwork along with your court order at that time.
My property is being held for safekeeping or was found, how do I retrieve it?

If your property was taken for safekeeping or was entered as found property, in order to release it we will need the permission of the deputy who submitted it. Please call our office to get the process started. We will reach out to the deputy and will follow up with you when we may release the items.
My weapons were taken as part of a Domestic Violence Protection Order, how do I retrieve them?

Due to a December 2025 change in legislation, Domestic Violence Protection Orders no longer require a court order for the return of weapons once the Protection Order has expired and is not being renewed. To retrieve weapons taken as a result of an order being filed against you, fill out the firearm return packet found above. Alternately, you may come to the 2^nd floor of the Sheriff’s Office and fill out a packet in person. Once we have received your packet, someone will reply within 5 business days. During this time, your documents will be reviewed to ensure that you are eligible for the return of your firearms and to begin the return process. In some cases, you will hear back before 5 days, however, staffing levels may delay the process. If you have not heard anything after 5 business days, you may call Durham County Sheriff's Office Property and Evidence at 919-560-7368 for an update.
What are your business hours?

The Durham County Sheriff's Office Division of Property and Evidence is open Monday through Friday 8am – 4pm (with the exception of government holidays).
What documents do I need to pick up my property?

If you were charged you will need a court order to have your items returned to you. This is regardless of the outcome of the court proceedings. You will also need a valid state issued ID or driver's license at the time of pick up.
What if my charges were dismissed?

Even if your charges were dismissed, you are required to obtain a court order to pick up your items.
When can I retrieve my belongings?

If items were taken pursuant to criminal charges your property will be held until the matter has been resolved in court. Please wait until your trial date has passed.
When will I hear from someone in the property and evidence department?

Once we have received your packet, we will reply within 5 business days. During this time, we will review your documents and begin the process. In most cases it will not take that long to call you, however there are times where we have to reach out to the DA’s office, clerks, or other deputies in order to get the authority we need to release your property. When we have to reach out to other parties it will sometimes slow the process a bit. If you have not heard anything from us in 5 business days, please give us a call. Durham County Property and Evidence may be reached at by calling on the Property and Evidence staff at 919-560-7368.
Where are my items being held?

If Durham sheriff’s deputies handled the incident, your items are being held here at the Durham County Sheriff’s Office. If the Durham Police Department responded, they will be holding your items. They can be reached at 919-560-4442
Where do I come for my appointment to pick up items?

Once you have been given an appointment time, you will come to the second floor of the Sheriff’s Office in the Durham County Courthouse. The door is at the top of the staircase landing. After going through security, take the stairs immediately across from the metal detectors. The door will be at the top of the steps. You may also take the elevator to the second floor and turn left when exiting the elevator. Once in the second floor Sheriff's Office waiting area, please ask for Property and Evidence.

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