Property & Evidence Release
The Crawford County Sheriff’s Department maintains property that has been collected as evidence, found property, or property held for safekeeping.
If you believe you have property being held by the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department that is eligible to be returned, you may submit a request below to inquire about scheduling a property release appointment.
Property is released by appointment only.
Submitting this form does not guarantee that the property can be released.
Before an appointment is scheduled, Sheriff’s Department personnel must confirm that the property is legally eligible for release and that any required authorization has been received.
Property may be unable to be released if it:
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Is still being held as evidence in an active or pending criminal case;
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Is subject to a court order;
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Requires authorization from the prosecutor, investigating officer, or another agency;
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Is contraband or otherwise unlawful to possess;
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Has not yet been authorized for release; or
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Cannot be released to the person making the request.
What Happens Next?
After your request is received, Sheriff’s Department personnel will review the property and determine whether it is eligible for release.
If the property can be released, you will be contacted to schedule an appointment.
Please do not arrive at the Sheriff’s Department to retrieve property until an appointment has been confirmed.
A valid government-issued photo ID may be required when retrieving property. Additional documentation may also be required depending on the type of property being released.
For questions regarding property or evidence, contact the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department.
Indiana Law Regarding Property Held as Evidence
The Crawford County Sheriff’s Department handles the retention and disposition of property held as evidence in accordance with Indiana Code § 35-33-5-5.
Under Indiana law, property seized by a law enforcement agency as the result of an arrest, search warrant, or warrantless search must generally be securely held by the law enforcement agency under the authority of the court while it is needed for the case.
Following the final disposition of a case, property that may be lawfully possessed is to be returned to its rightful owner, if known. If the owner is unknown, the law enforcement agency must make a reasonable attempt to determine ownership.
90-Day Property Claim Period
Indiana Code § 35-33-5-5 provides that after 90 days from the time:
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The rightful owner has been notified to take possession of the property; or
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A reasonable effort has been made to determine the rightful owner,
The law enforcement agency holding the property may dispose of qualifying property
at a public auction as provided by Indiana law.
If you have been notified that property belonging to you is available for release, please contact
the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department and arrange for its pickup as soon as possible.
Submitting a property release request does not extend or waive any deadline established by Indiana law.
Property Still Held as Evidence
Not all property can be released immediately upon request. Property may be required to remain in the custody of the Sheriff’s Department while a criminal case is pending or until the Department receives the necessary authorization for release.
Property admitted into evidence may also be subject to an order of the court regarding its disposition.
Unlawful or Restricted Property
Certain property cannot be returned if possession of the property is unlawful. Firearms and certain other types of property may also be subject to additional requirements under Indiana law.
For the complete statutory requirements regarding property held as evidence, please refer to
Indiana Code § 35-33-5-5 — Disposition of Property Held as Evidence.