{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/15.2-1719.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/15.2-1719.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/15.2-1719.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/15.2-1719.html"}],"law_id":85242,"edition_id":1,"section_id":85242,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1719","catch_line":"Disposal of unclaimed property in possession of sheriff or police","history":"1982, c. 163, \u00a7 15.1-133.01; 1994, c. 144; 1997, c. 587; 2010, c. 333; 2024, cc. 225, 242.","full_text":"Any locality may provide by ordinance for (i) the public sale in accordance with the provisions of this section or (ii) the retention for use by the law-enforcement agency, of any unclaimed personal property which has been in the possession of its law-enforcement agencies and unclaimed for a period of more than 60 days, after payment of a reasonable storage fee to the sheriff or other agency storing such property. No storage fee shall be charged or accounted for if such property has been stored by and is to be retained by the sheriff’s office or other law-enforcement agency. As used herein, “unclaimed personal property” shall be any personal property belonging to another which has been acquired by a law-enforcement officer pursuant to his duties, which is not needed in any criminal prosecution, which has not been claimed by its rightful owner and which the State Treasurer has indicated will be declined if remitted under the Virginia Disposition of Unclaimed Property Act (\u00a7 55.1-2500 et seq.). Unclaimed bicycles and mopeds may also be disposed of in accordance with \u00a7 15.2-1720. Unclaimed firearms may also be disposed of in accordance with \u00a7 15.2-1721.\n\t\tPrior to the sale or retention for use by the law-enforcement agency of any unclaimed item, the chief of police, sheriff or their duly authorized agents shall make reasonable attempts to notify the rightful owner of the property, obtain from the attorney for the Commonwealth in writing a statement advising that the item is not needed in any criminal prosecution, and cause to be published twice in a newspaper of general circulation in the locality notice that there will be a public display and sale of unclaimed personal property. The first notice shall appear no more than 28 days before and the second notice shall appear no less than seven days before the public display and sale of the unclaimed personal property. Such property, including property selected for retention by the law-enforcement agency, shall be described generally in the notice, together with the date, time and place of the sale and shall be made available for public viewing at the sale. The chief of police, sheriff or their duly authorized agents shall pay from the proceeds of sale the costs of advertisement, removal, storage, investigation as to ownership and liens, and notice of sale. The balance of the funds shall be held by such officer for the owner and paid to the owner upon satisfactory proof of ownership. Any unclaimed item retained for use by the law-enforcement agency shall become the property of the locality served by the agency and shall be retained only if, in the opinion of the chief law-enforcement officer, there is a legitimate use for the property by the agency and that retention of the item is a more economical alternative than purchase of a similar or equivalent item.\n\t\tIf no claim has been made by the owner for the property or proceeds of such sale within 60 days of the sale, the remaining funds shall be deposited in the general fund of the locality and the retained property may be placed into use by the law-enforcement agency. Any such owner shall be entitled to apply to the locality within three years from the date of the sale and, if timely application is made therefor and satisfactory proof of ownership of the funds or property is made, the locality shall pay the remaining proceeds of the sale or return the property to the owner without interest or other charges or compensation. No claim shall be made nor any suit, action or proceeding be instituted for the recovery of such funds or property after three years from the date of the sale.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":305503,"text":"Any locality may provide by ordinance for (i) the public sale in accordance with the provisions of this section or (ii) the retention for use by the law-enforcement agency, of any unclaimed personal property which has been in the possession of its law-enforcement agencies and unclaimed for a period of more than 60 days, after payment of a reasonable storage fee to the sheriff or other agency storing such property. No storage fee shall be charged or accounted for if such property has been stored by and is to be retained by the sheriff’s office or other law-enforcement agency. As used herein, “unclaimed personal property” shall be any personal property belonging to another which has been acquired by a law-enforcement officer pursuant to his duties, which is not needed in any criminal prosecution, which has not been claimed by its rightful owner and which the State Treasurer has indicated will be declined if remitted under the Virginia Disposition of Unclaimed Property Act (\u00a7 55.1-2500 et seq.). Unclaimed bicycles and mopeds may also be disposed of in accordance with \u00a7 15.2-1720. Unclaimed firearms may also be disposed of in accordance with \u00a7 15.2-1721.\n\t\tPrior to the sale or retention for use by the law-enforcement agency of any unclaimed item, the chief of police, sheriff or their duly authorized agents shall make reasonable attempts to notify the rightful owner of the property, obtain from the attorney for the Commonwealth in writing a statement advising that the item is not needed in any criminal prosecution, and cause to be published twice in a newspaper of general circulation in the locality notice that there will be a public display and sale of unclaimed personal property. The first notice shall appear no more than 28 days before and the second notice shall appear no less than seven days before the public display and sale of the unclaimed personal property. Such property, including property selected for retention by the law-enforcement agency, shall be described generally in the notice, together with the date, time and place of the sale and shall be made available for public viewing at the sale. The chief of police, sheriff or their duly authorized agents shall pay from the proceeds of sale the costs of advertisement, removal, storage, investigation as to ownership and liens, and notice of sale. The balance of the funds shall be held by such officer for the owner and paid to the owner upon satisfactory proof of ownership. Any unclaimed item retained for use by the law-enforcement agency shall become the property of the locality served by the agency and shall be retained only if, in the opinion of the chief law-enforcement officer, there is a legitimate use for the property by the agency and that retention of the item is a more economical alternative than purchase of a similar or equivalent item.\n\t\tIf no claim has been made by the owner for the property or proceeds of such sale within 60 days of the sale, the remaining funds shall be deposited in the general fund of the locality and the retained property may be placed into use by the law-enforcement agency. Any such owner shall be entitled to apply to the locality within three years from the date of the sale and, if timely application is made therefor and satisfactory proof of ownership of the funds or property is made, the locality shall pay the remaining proceeds of the sale or return the property to the owner without interest or other charges or compensation. No claim shall be made nor any suit, action or proceeding be instituted for the recovery of such funds or property after three years from the date of the sale.","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1}},"ancestry":[{"id":13483,"edition_id":1,"name":"General Provisions","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13482,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:59","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:59","permalink":{"id":153749,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13483,"identifier":"1","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1","url":"\/15.2\/II\/17\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13482,"edition_id":1,"name":"Police and Public Order","identifier":"17","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12733,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:59","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:59","permalink":{"id":153747,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13482,"identifier":"17","token":"15.2\/II\/17","url":"\/15.2\/II\/17\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12733,"edition_id":1,"name":"Powers of Local Government","identifier":"II","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12720,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:50","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:50","permalink":{"id":152369,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12733,"identifier":"II","token":"15.2\/II","url":"\/15.2\/II\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12720,"edition_id":1,"name":"Counties, Cities and Towns","identifier":"15.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","permalink":{"id":151279,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12720,"identifier":"15.2","token":"15.2","url":"\/15.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":59436,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1700","catch_line":"Preservation of peace and good order","url":"\/15.2-1700\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1700","metadata":false},{"id":82838,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1701","catch_line":"Organization of police forces","url":"\/15.2-1701\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1701","metadata":false},{"id":73443,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1702","catch_line":"Referendum required prior to establishment of county police force","url":"\/15.2-1702\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1702","metadata":false},{"id":81008,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1703","catch_line":"Referendum to abolish county police force","url":"\/15.2-1703\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1703","metadata":false},{"id":74490,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1704","catch_line":"Powers and duties of police force","url":"\/15.2-1704\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1704","metadata":false},{"id":78495,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1705","catch_line":"Minimum qualifications; waiver","url":"\/15.2-1705\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1705","metadata":false},{"id":85175,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1706","catch_line":"Certification through training required for all law-enforcement officers; waiver of requirements","url":"\/15.2-1706\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1706","metadata":false},{"id":65694,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1707","catch_line":"Decertification of law-enforcement officers and jail officers","url":"\/15.2-1707\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1707","metadata":false},{"id":69038,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1708","catch_line":"Notice of decertification; decertification review process","url":"\/15.2-1708\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1708","metadata":false},{"id":71374,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1709","catch_line":"Employer immunity from liability; disclosure of information regarding former deputy sheriffs and law-enforcement officers","url":"\/15.2-1709\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1709","metadata":false},{"id":59628,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1710","catch_line":"Fees and other compensation","url":"\/15.2-1710\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1710","metadata":false},{"id":86731,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1710.1","catch_line":"Arrest or summons quota prohibited","url":"\/15.2-1710.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1710.1","metadata":false},{"id":63376,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1711","catch_line":"Providing legal fees and expenses for law-enforcement officers; repayment to locality of two-thirds of amount by Compensation Board","url":"\/15.2-1711\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1711","metadata":false},{"id":63610,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1712","catch_line":"Employment of off-duty officers","url":"\/15.2-1712\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1712","metadata":false},{"id":77061,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1713","catch_line":"Localities authorized to offer and pay rewards in felony and misdemeanor cases","url":"\/15.2-1713\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1713","metadata":false},{"id":87347,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1713.1","catch_line":"Local \"Crime Stoppers\" programs; confidentiality","url":"\/15.2-1713.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1713.1","metadata":false},{"id":60435,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1714","catch_line":"Establishing police lines, perimeters, or barricades","url":"\/15.2-1714\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1714","metadata":false},{"id":81983,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1715","catch_line":"Authority to declare Intensified Drug Enforcement Jurisdictions; expenditure of funds","url":"\/15.2-1715\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1715","metadata":false},{"id":73688,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1716","catch_line":"Reimbursement of expenses incurred in responding to DUI and related incidents","url":"\/15.2-1716\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1716","metadata":false},{"id":54447,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1716.1","catch_line":"Reimbursement of expenses incurred in responding to terrorism hoax incident, bomb threat, or malicious activation of fire alarm","url":"\/15.2-1716.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1716.1","metadata":false},{"id":61242,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1716.2","catch_line":"Methamphetamine lab cleanup costs; localities may charge for reimbursement","url":"\/15.2-1716.2\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1716.2","metadata":false},{"id":63062,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1717","catch_line":"Preventing interference with pupils at schools","url":"\/15.2-1717\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1717","metadata":false},{"id":75499,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1717.1","catch_line":"Designation of police to enforce trespass violations","url":"\/15.2-1717.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1717.1","metadata":false},{"id":86283,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1718","catch_line":"Receipt of missing child reports","url":"\/15.2-1718\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1718","metadata":false},{"id":82937,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1718.1","catch_line":"Receipt of missing senior adult reports","url":"\/15.2-1718.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1718.1","metadata":false},{"id":68631,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1718.2","catch_line":"Receipt of critically missing adult reports","url":"\/15.2-1718.2\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1718.2","metadata":false},{"id":85242,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1719","catch_line":"Disposal of unclaimed property in possession of sheriff or police","url":"\/15.2-1719\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1719","metadata":false},{"id":81997,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1720","catch_line":"Localities authorized to license bicycles, electric power-assisted bicycles, mopeds, and electric personal assistive mobility devices; disposition of unclaimed bicycles, electric power-assisted bicycles, mopeds, and electric personal assistive mobility devices","url":"\/15.2-1720\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1720","metadata":false},{"id":77275,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1721","catch_line":"Disposal of unclaimed firearms or other weapons in possession of sheriff or police","url":"\/15.2-1721\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1721","metadata":false},{"id":61487,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1721.1","catch_line":"Acquisition of military property by localities","url":"\/15.2-1721.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1721.1","metadata":false},{"id":59331,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1722","catch_line":"Certain records to be kept by sheriffs and chiefs of police","url":"\/15.2-1722\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1722","metadata":false},{"id":67755,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1722.1","catch_line":"Prohibited practices; collection of data","url":"\/15.2-1722.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1722.1","metadata":false},{"id":70576,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1723","catch_line":"Validation of certain police forces","url":"\/15.2-1723\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1723","metadata":false},{"id":60551,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1723.1","catch_line":"Body-worn camera system","url":"\/15.2-1723.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1723.1","metadata":false},{"id":78195,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1723.2","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2026) Facial recognition technology; approval","url":"\/15.2-1723.2\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1723.2","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":68631,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1718.2","catch_line":"Receipt of critically missing adult reports","url":"\/15.2-1718.2\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1718.2","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":81997,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1720","catch_line":"Localities authorized to license bicycles, electric power-assisted bicycles, mopeds, and electric personal assistive mobility devices; disposition of unclaimed bicycles, electric power-assisted bicycles, mopeds, and electric personal assistive mobility devices","url":"\/15.2-1720\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1720","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/15.2-1719\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1982. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 163 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1982 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 4 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1994, chapter 144<\/a>; in 1997, chapter 587<\/a>; in 2010, chapter 333<\/a>; in 2024, chapters 225<\/a> and 242<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":65104,"section_number":"15.2-1123.1","catch_line":"Lynchburg Regional Airport police department","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-1123.1\/"},{"id":77275,"section_number":"15.2-1721","catch_line":"Disposal of unclaimed firearms or other weapons in possession of sheriff or police","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-1721\/"},{"id":73488,"section_number":"9.1-101","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2026) Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/9.1-101\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":81997,"section_number":"15.2-1720","catch_line":"Localities authorized to license bicycles, electric power-assisted bicycles, mopeds, and electric personal assistive mobility devices; disposition of unclaimed bicycles, electric power-assisted bicycles, mopeds, and electric personal assistive mobility devices","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-1720\/"},{"id":77275,"section_number":"15.2-1721","catch_line":"Disposal of unclaimed firearms or other weapons in possession of sheriff or police","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-1721\/"},{"id":58539,"section_number":"55.1-2500","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-2500\/"}],"permalink":{"id":153855,"object_type":"law","relational_id":85242,"identifier":"15.2-1719","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1719","url":"\/15.2-1719\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/15.2-1719\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1719","dublin_core":{"Title":"Disposal of unclaimed property in possession of sheriff or police","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 15.2-1719","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Any locality<\/span> may provide by ordinance<\/span> for (i) the public sale in accordance with the provisions of this section or (ii) the retention for use by the law<\/span>-enforcement agency, of any unclaimed personal property which has been in the possession<\/span> of its law<\/span>-enforcement agencies and unclaimed for a period of more than 60 days, after payment of a reasonable storage fee to the sheriff or other agency storing such property. No storage fee shall be charged or accounted for if such property has been stored by and is to be retained by the sheriff’s office or other law<\/span>-enforcement agency. As used herein, “unclaimed personal property” shall be any personal property belonging to another which has been acquired by a law<\/span>-enforcement officer pursuant to his duties, which is not needed in any criminal prosecution<\/span>, which has not been claimed by its rightful owner and which the State Treasurer has indicated will be declined if remitted under the Virginia Disposition<\/span> of Unclaimed Property Act (\u00a7 55.1-2500<\/a> et seq.). Unclaimed bicycles and mopeds may also be disposed of in accordance with \u00a7 15.2-1720<\/a>. Unclaimed firearms may also be disposed of in accordance with \u00a7 15.2-1721<\/a>.\n\t\tPrior to the sale or retention for use by the law<\/span>-enforcement agency of any unclaimed item, the chief of police, sheriff or their duly authorized agents shall make reasonable attempts to notify the rightful owner of the property, obtain from the attorney for the Commonwealth in writing a statement advising that the item is not needed in any criminal prosecution<\/span>, and cause to be published twice in a newspaper of general circulation in the locality<\/span> notice that there will be a public display and sale of unclaimed personal property. The first notice shall appear no more than 28 days before and the second notice shall appear no less than seven days before the public display and sale of the unclaimed personal property. Such property, including property selected for retention by the law<\/span>-enforcement agency, shall be described generally in the notice, together with the date, time and place of the sale and shall be made available for public viewing at the sale. The chief of police, sheriff or their duly authorized agents shall pay from the proceeds of sale the costs of advertisement, removal, storage, investigation as to ownership and liens<\/span>, and notice of sale. The balance of the funds shall be held by such officer for the owner and paid to the owner upon satisfactory proof of ownership. Any unclaimed item retained for use by the law<\/span>-enforcement agency shall become the property of the locality<\/span> served by the agency and shall be retained only if, in the opinion<\/span> of the chief law<\/span>-enforcement officer, there is a legitimate use for the property by the agency and that retention of the item is a more economical alternative than purchase of a similar or equivalent item.\n\t\tIf no claim has been made by the owner for the property or proceeds of such sale within 60 days of the sale, the remaining funds shall be deposited in the general fund of the locality<\/span> and the retained property may be placed into use by the law<\/span>-enforcement agency. Any such owner shall be entitled to apply to the locality<\/span> within three years from the date of the sale and, if timely application is made therefor and satisfactory proof of ownership of the funds or property is made, the locality<\/span> shall pay the remaining proceeds of the sale or return the property to the owner without interest or other charges or compensation. No claim shall be made nor any suit, action or proceeding be instituted for the recovery of such funds or property after three years from the date of the sale.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nDISPOSAL OF UNCLAIMED PROPERTY IN POSSESSION OF SHERIFF OR POLICE (\u00a7 15.2-1719)\n\nAny locality may provide by ordinance for (i) the public sale in accordance with\nthe provisions of this section or (ii) the retention for use by the\nlaw-enforcement agency, of any unclaimed personal property which has been in the\npossession of its law-enforcement agencies and unclaimed for a period of more\nthan 60 days, after payment of a reasonable storage fee to the sheriff or other\nagency storing such property. No storage fee shall be charged or accounted for\nif such property has been stored by and is to be retained by the sheriff’s\noffice or other law-enforcement agency. As used herein, “unclaimed\npersonal property” shall be any personal property belonging to another\nwhich has been acquired by a law-enforcement officer pursuant to his duties,\nwhich is not needed in any criminal prosecution, which has not been claimed by\nits rightful owner and which the State Treasurer has indicated will be declined\nif remitted under the Virginia Disposition of Unclaimed Property Act (\u00a7\n55.1-2500 et seq.). Unclaimed bicycles and mopeds may also be disposed of in\naccordance with \u00a7 15.2-1720. Unclaimed firearms may also be disposed of in\naccordance with \u00a7 15.2-1721.\n\t\tPrior to the sale or retention for use by the law-enforcement agency of any\nunclaimed item, the chief of police, sheriff or their duly authorized agents\nshall make reasonable attempts to notify the rightful owner of the property,\nobtain from the attorney for the Commonwealth in writing a statement advising\nthat the item is not needed in any criminal prosecution, and cause to be\npublished twice in a newspaper of general circulation in the locality notice\nthat there will be a public display and sale of unclaimed personal property. The\nfirst notice shall appear no more than 28 days before and the second notice\nshall appear no less than seven days before the public display and sale of the\nunclaimed personal property. Such property, including property selected for\nretention by the law-enforcement agency, shall be described generally in the\nnotice, together with the date, time and place of the sale and shall be made\navailable for public viewing at the sale. The chief of police, sheriff or their\nduly authorized agents shall pay from the proceeds of sale the costs of\nadvertisement, removal, storage, investigation as to ownership and liens, and\nnotice of sale. The balance of the funds shall be held by such officer for the\nowner and paid to the owner upon satisfactory proof of ownership. Any unclaimed\nitem retained for use by the law-enforcement agency shall become the property of\nthe locality served by the agency and shall be retained only if, in the opinion\nof the chief law-enforcement officer, there is a legitimate use for the property\nby the agency and that retention of the item is a more economical alternative\nthan purchase of a similar or equivalent item.\n\t\tIf no claim has been made by the owner for the property or proceeds of such\nsale within 60 days of the sale, the remaining funds shall be deposited in the\ngeneral fund of the locality and the retained property may be placed into use by\nthe law-enforcement agency. Any such owner shall be entitled to apply to the\nlocality within three years from the date of the sale and, if timely application\nis made therefor and satisfactory proof of ownership of the funds or property is\nmade, the locality shall pay the remaining proceeds of the sale or return the\nproperty to the owner without interest or other charges or compensation. No\nclaim shall be made nor any suit, action or proceeding be instituted for the\nrecovery of such funds or property after three years from the date of the sale.\n\nHISTORY: 1982, c. 163, \u00a7 15.1-133.01; 1994, c. 144; 1997, c. 587; 2010, c. 333;\n2024, cc. 225, 242.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}