The law enforcement property and evidence function is a critical element of the criminal justice system. Over the last decade, the management of the property and evidence function has become more complex due to legislative mandates and the increasing number of hazardous materials that are processed through the system. It is essential and crucial that field officers and supervisors focus on the critical role of the entire property and evidence process. This guide is designed to assist law enforcement property/evidence controllers in the performance of daily activities. It also focuses on processes and procedures for all law enforcement agencies in managing the property/evidence function. The guide is divided into eight chapters: (1) organizational considerations; (2) documentation; (3) storage facilities; (4) property/evidence handling procedures; (5) audits and inventories; (6) property disposition/purging; (7) legal and regulatory issues; and (8) automation. Figures and appendixes A-C