Scientific Investigations Division

All weapons are disposed of and melted down at a facility located in Rancho Cucamonga. The weapons are under the direct control of the Sheriff’s Department through the entire process.

All monies are deposited in an interest bearing account unless held at the request of law enforcement. At the end of the fiscal year, these funds are returned to the General Fund if they cannot be returned to the lawful owner; a Court order is required.

All drugs, unless specifically held at the request of law enforcement, are destroyed after one year and one month after seizure.

Vehicles and other equipment, i.e., computers, bicycles, furniture, are turned over to an independent auction company to sell. The procedure, check and balances were observed by Grand Jury members and found to be a sound practice. 2004-2005 San Bernardino County Grand Jury Final Report 99 The Crime Lab is housed at the same facility. It is a very sophisticated state-of-the- art crime investigation unit. The unit performs all of the DNA tracking for both San Bernardino and Riverside counties. The increasing demands on the use of DNA in solving crimes have placed a tremendous burden on the DNA investigators. The Crime Lab must now prioritize which cases they will work on. A goal of the unit is to respond to all cases without restriction. Fingerprint comparisons, drug and alcohol testing, forensics and crime scene investigations are also conducted there. There is a definite need for expansion of workspace, equipment and investigators. There is only one garage in which to examine vehicles. The Forensics Department is housed in a portable trailer.