§ 54-356. Unclaimed weapon.

(a)

Definition. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Unclaimed weapons means any weapon that comes into the possession of the police department in the performance of official police duties or in possession of the municipal court in the performance of official court duties, and the title and ownership thereof is not claimed by any person within six months after such weapon comes into the possession of the police department or municipal court.

(b)

Disposition generally. All unclaimed weapons not needed as evidence, in possession of the police department or municipal court for the period of six months, shall be disposed of in the manner provided in this section.

(c)

Forfeiture to the city. Any unclaimed firearm not needed as evidence in the possession of the police department central evidence and property divisions or municipal court for a period of six months shall be forfeited to the city and may be disposed of by the superintendent of police or the chief administrative judge of the municipal court as follows:

(1)

No unclaimed firearm in possession of the police department or municipal court shall be sold at public or private sale or released from the custody of the police department or municipal court unless first destroyed.

(2)

The superintendent of police shall order such unclaimed firearms in possession of the police department destroyed, or may retain such unclaimed firearms for the use and benefit of the police department in performance of its official duties.

(3)

The chief administrative judge of the municipal court shall order such unclaimed firearms in possession of municipal court returned to the police department to be destroyed.

(4)

The superintendent of police shall develop and promulgate rules and regulations for the destruction of unclaimed firearms and weapons by means of disassembling and crushing.

(Code 1956, §§ 42-70—42-72)