Found and Seized Property and Firearms

Firearms Officer

The Firearms/Range Maintenance & Safety Officer is responsible for the proper storage, issuance and armouring of service firearms, as well as being responsible for the proper destruction of found/seized weapons. They also ensure proper use and maintenance of firing ranges, assisting with Use of Force Training and assisting with the recruiting needs of the service.

On a daily basis, this officer upkeeps accurate records of stored and seized firearms, as well as ordering new firearms and ammunition based on the service's needs. They also help out with investigations, and can act as an expert witness in court on matters pertaining to firearms issues. When the Property Officer is away, he also performs their duties.

For firearms services and information, see the Canadian Firearms Program or contact jim.finoro@police.guelph.on.ca

Property Officer

The Property Officer is responsible for all property that is found or seized by the Guelph Police Service. Property can be anything from bicycles, to weapons, to audio/video surveillance footage. As part of his daily duties, this officer looks after the property lockers, and makes sure all items are properly tagged, as well as creating and tracking corresponding computer records.

If property is seized during an investigation, this officer is responsible for its safe-keeping. After a case involving property as evidence goes to trial, this officer must follow up with the courts to determine when and whether the property is to be returned, destroyed, or auctioned off.

The Property Officer must also perform regular audits of found property in order to 'purge' the property lockers and make room for new found property. After ninety days, if the rightful owners have not been located, the property will be disposed of accordingly. Bicycles, however, are only kept in storage for thirty days, and are auctioned off three times a year. Like the Firearms Officer, the Property Officer takes on both Firearms and Property roles in the unit during the other's absence.