Why Police Auctions Are Done
Police departments gather a lot of lost, confiscated, and abandoned property. They receive these possessions from forfeitures, abandonment, and arrests of owners. Once enough items have accumulated, the agency will organize an auction. Police auctions have two main goals: to empty the property rooms and make money.
Although some agencies use property rooms that are the size of warehouses, even these will eventually fill up. As more and more time passes items will build up and need to be cleared out. Also, by auctioning them off, the force will bring in money. Cash can either be placed in the agency budget or go to fund different government needs. The money usually adds up into a substantial amount that makes an impact wherever it is used.
In these auctions the general public can purchase several highly desirable items. These include cars, motorcycles, airplanes, boats, and even homes. Property usually comes from drug arrests. Property in these situations is seized if it was used for crime or purchased with drug money.
Bidding on items means that an individual accepts the item exactly as it is. This involves more than just a few blemishes or minor areas of damage. If property is bought that has a tax liens against it, the liens must be cleared before ownership will be granted. Mortgages and car loans must be handled in the same way. There are great opportunities for good bargains but bidders must be diligent to avoid any complications.
Jurisdictions usually have specific laws that govern how an auction should be conducted. The agency in charge is often required to publish a complete description of items up for auction. This publication must also include the details of where and when it will take place. They must give details on terms of payment as well and whether or not money orders or checks will be accepted. This information is normally printed in a newspaper within the agency jurisdiction.
Publications of this kind have multiple purposes. One of these is to notify any owners of property that their final chance to redeem items is quickly approaching. Another is to inform the public of the auction so that they can show up and place their bids.
Police auctions are often controlled by the department. However, sometimes government agencies will take over if a force has little experience holding auctions or is especially small. Another option is to use an independent auction company.
The event locations are also variable. It may take place nearby the county courthouse or within an official government office. Or, it can be carried out in a general public location. The venue often depends on the agency size in addition to the amount of property that needs auctioning.
Police auctions are done to get rid of the accumulated property gathered from arrests, abandonment and forfeitures. They free up space in storage rooms and also provide a substantial source of income for the government. Items auctioned off are usually of good quality and quite valuable. Before the set day, a notice is published in a local newspaper to inform the public of where and when items will be sold off. Information is also provided on how they may bid on them.
