A survey conducted by Joe Latta, who supervises the property room of the Burbank, Calif. Police Department and teaches property and evidence classes for national and State police organizations, revealed that only 51 percent of the police agencies surveyed had written policies and procedures for their property rooms. A majority did not know the amount of money, guns, and narcotics in their rooms. These problems indicated the need for steps to ensure effective control. The first step is an audit by someone not involved in the division that houses or supervises the property room. Written policies should include specific policies. These include a two-person rule to ensure correct money counts and purge policies to avoid overcrowding. An efficient property management system also requires effective allocation of resources. Proper recordkeeping and computer information systems tailored to the agency's needs are also crucial.