I volunteered to help a cousin locate and recover a handgun that belonged to his father (my uncle) was stolen but recovered by HPD from someone who used it in the commission of a crime.  The recovery occured in the early 1990s after the original permit holder (an uncle) passed away and my cousin never followed up with HPD to regain possession of the firearm. At the time HPD recovered the firearm, HPD contacted my cousin to notify the family that HPD had recovered the firearm and that it would be held as evidence to be used in the prosecution of the crime(s) committed by the person caught with it. I assume the process begins with a letter to the Chief of Police to get the ball rolling but I thought I'd ask if anyone knows or has any experience with the actual process and what I can expect.

TIA.

Can't help you with your specific problem, but one thing you are going to need is proof of your uncles passing and a notarized statement from the executor of his estate regarding the disposition of this weapon

I would not be surprised if, after 20 years, the property was deemed abandoned and disposed of.  If you can ascertain whether or not the gun still exists, it might save you time and headaches asking for something which may be long gone.

I would start from that direction, then take the steps to ask for its returned.  This all assumes the police department is willing to answer that question before making you jump through all those other hoops.

Good luck!

Thanks. I don't have high hopes that HPD still has the firearm after all these years. I assume that the gun has been destroyed rather than sold at auction since we all know that guns, themselves, are demon possessed and are inherently evil. In this case, the gun was super evil because it is a Colt Python. 

Thanks. I don't have high hopes that HPD still has the firearm after all these years. I assume that the gun has been destroyed rather than sold at auction since we all know that guns, themselves, are demon possessed and are inherently evil. In this case, the gun was super evil because it is a Colt Python. 

I'd imagine HPD has it in storage still.

I'd imagine HPD has it in storage still.

Yeah, I'm sure someone took it upon themselves to ensure it was "stored" correctly and lovingly until the proper owner could be located.........

Yeah, I'm sure someone took it upon themselves to ensure it was "stored" correctly and lovingly until the proper owner could be located.........

AFAIK they don't get rid of evidence?

I spoke to the officers behind the firearms registration desk this a.m. They told me that HPD rarely ever destroys a recovered firearm unless the firearm is inoperable or somehow altered to make it inoperable, unsafe or illegal. Two examples were given: 1) where the barrel was cut or 2) the serial numbers are ground off.

I was instructed to contact the detective who originally notified my cousin that the stolen firearm was recovered because the detective must complete release forms. I was also informed that if the officer retired, it will be a real hassle to get the firearm released. Having a report number and/or the detective's name is a good start. The officers instructed me to contact the Criminal Investigation Division of the HPD to get the process rolling.

Good luck Mr. Farknocker!