Which action is inappropriate when handling found property?

• A. Log item details and place in secure property room
• B. Issue proper property receipt to owner if identified
• C. Document serial numbers
• D. Discard items if owner cannot be found immediately

Answer: (D)

Found property must be treated as something that may belong to someone, or could be evidence, so it should be preserved and tracked rather than discarded. The right approach is to log the item’s details, place it in a secure property room to maintain the chain of custody, and document identifying features such as serial numbers so the item can be accurately identified later. If you can identify the owner, issue a proper property receipt so they have a clear record and can reclaim the item. Discarding items when the owner cannot be found immediately is inappropriate because it ends the possibility of recovery, creates liability, and violates standard procedures for handling found property; agencies typically hold items for a defined period and follow specific disposal or transfer rules after attempting to locate the owner.