West Covina Municipal Code § 18-17 Delivery to chief of police

It is hereby made the duty of all officers and employees of the city whenever they find within the corporate limits of the city, or whenever there comes into their possession any personal property which such finder or possessor has reason to believe may have been stolen, lost, or abandoned, to deliver the same to the chief of police.

(Code 1960, § 2730)

It shall be the duty of the chief of police to take charge of and keep in his possession property described in section 18-17 of this article, and he must within a reasonable time inform the owner thereof, if known, and make restitution to him of such property upon demand without compensation.

(Code 1960, § 2731)

Should any property described in section 18-17 of this article remain unclaimed by its true owner for a period of six (6) months from the date of finding, the chief of police is hereby authorized and required to cause the same to be sold at public auction to the highest bidder.

(Code 1960, § 2732)

Notice of sale of unclaimed property pursuant to section 18-19 of this article shall be given by the chief of police at least five (5) days before the time fixed therefor, by publication in the official newspaper of the city of a statement of the time and place fixed therefor, together with a schedule of the property to be offered for sale.

(Code 1960, § 2733)

Immediately after the completion of any sale pursuant to section 18-19 of this article the chief of police shall give to the city treasurer a statement of the proceeds thereof together with the expense incurred in concluding such sale. The chief of police shall forthwith pay such proceeds to the city treasurer and the city treasurer after deducting the necessary expenses actually incurred shall deposit the balance thereof in the general fund.

(Code 1960, § 2734)

If there are no bids for any property offered for sale at an auction pursuant to section 18-19 of this article, the property shall again be offered for sale together with other such unclaimed property at the next auction sale. If such property is not sold at the second auction sale, the chief of police may make such disposition thereof in the public interest as he shall deem fit.

(Code 1960, § 2735)

The provisions of this article shall not apply to property subject to confiscation under state or federal law.

(Code 1960, § 2736)

Pursuant to section 18-19 of this article, all unclaimed property will be sold at public auction. City employees, however, are ineligible to bid on and purchase such unclaimed property.

(Ord. No. 1703, § 1, 11-25-85)