Property & Evidence

This unit is staffed with one civilian Supervisor, six Evidence Technicians, and one Fingerprint/ID Clerk.  They maintain accurate records of all incoming property and evidence, meticulously storing this evidence.  Many pieces of evidence may be submitted to the Department of Public Safety or to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for specialized examination that cannot be performed on the local level.

Crime Scene Investigators are responsible for examining all evidence, including but not limited to vehicles, guns, and documents for latent fingerprints (fingerprints left behind after touching an object) and for comparing known prints to the latent prints in an attempt to identify a suspect.  The investigator must keep abreast of the latest techniques for the development of latent fingerprints, including chemical formulas, alternate light sources (lasers) and photographic techniques that may enhance the latent fingerprint being developed.  A fingerprint is the most positive form of identification and is powerful evidence when presented to a jury during a court trial.  The investigator is also trained to examine evidence for blood, hair, soil, and fibers in an attempt to link a suspect to a crime.

Below is a photo of a latent print (left) as compared to an ink print (right).

Once an investigation is complete, property may be returned to the rightful owner, transferred to the Montgomery County Purchasing Agent for auction, or destroyed.  

Retrieving Your Property

If you believe the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office is holding property that belongs to you and you would like the property returned, please follow these steps to help expedite the process:

1. Was the property taken by the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office?  Oftentimes people call looking for property that was retrieved by another law enforcement agency such as the Conroe Police Department or the Montgomery County Constables.  We only house property and evidence collected by the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office.
2. Do you have a case number or the name of the detective handling your case?  If so, please contact our Detectives Division.  We will need authorization from the detective to release your property.
3. If you do not have a case number or the name of your detective and you are sure your property was taken by the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, then you may call us and we will assist you in retrieving your belongings.