Anoka County Sheriff’s Office Recognizes Property Technicians During National Appreciation Week

Anoka, MN

The Anoka County Sheriff's Office is recognizing its property and evidence technicians during Property and Evidence Technicians Appreciation Week, observed April 5 through April 11.

The annual designation is led by the International Association of Property and Evidence, which highlights the work of personnel responsible for managing, preserving, and documenting evidence within law enforcement agencies.

At the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office and the Midwest Regional Forensic Laboratory in Andover, three technicians, Lou, Molly, and Katherine, are responsible for overseeing the department’s property and evidence operations.

Scale of Operations and Regional Role

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the property unit manages approximately 40,000 items of evidence, requiring continuous tracking, secure storage, and compliance with evidentiary standards.

Inventory includes a wide range of materials, from biological samples and digital devices to large physical property tied to criminal investigations.

The unit also serves a regional role, coordinating with more than 20 law enforcement agencies across Anoka County and neighboring jurisdictions to receive evidence for forensic testing and to manage drug disposal.

Technicians operate within the Sheriff’s Office and the Midwest Regional Forensic Laboratory, functioning as a central hub for evidence intake, processing, and distribution.

Chain of Custody and Evidence Integrity

A core responsibility of the property unit is maintaining the legal integrity of evidence through strict chain-of-custody procedures.

Technicians document, store, and transfer evidence through controlled systems designed to ensure that materials remain admissible in court. This includes the use of secured storage areas and evidence vaults, as well as detailed tracking of every transfer between investigators and forensic personnel.

Operational Responsibilities and Public Services

In addition to evidence management, technicians perform several functions that support both investigations and public-facing services.

Drug Disposal Program:
The unit manages the intake and disposal of prescription medications collected from the public, supporting efforts to reduce misuse and ensure environmentally safe disposal.

Laboratory Coordination:
Technicians facilitate the movement of evidence between investigators and forensic scientists, ensuring timely analysis and secure return of materials.

Property Return:
Items no longer needed for investigative or legal purposes are returned to their rightful owners when possible.

Evidence Disposal and Auctions:
When property cannot be returned, technicians coordinate lawful disposal or auction in compliance with Minnesota statutes governing unclaimed property.

Public Access and Contact Information

The property room operates under the Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Unit and provides access for residents seeking to retrieve property or inquire about evidence.

• Location: 13301 Hanson Blvd NW, Andover, MN 55304
• Public Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Phone: (763) 324-5097

Appointments and inquiries are handled during standard business hours.

Recognition of Essential Role

While largely operating outside public view, property and evidence technicians play a critical role in the criminal justice system. Their work supports investigations, ensures compliance with legal standards, and facilitates coordination between multiple agencies.

Officials noted that maintaining the integrity of tens of thousands of evidence items requires precision, accountability, and ongoing coordination, making the unit an essential component of both law enforcement operations and the broader judicial process.

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