Property & Evidence

The Property and Evidence Section plays a vital role in supporting investigations by managing and safeguarding all physical evidence collected by Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office deputies.

Securing the Integrity of Evidence

This section is responsible for the intake, storage, release, and disposal of evidence from criminal investigations. Items are kept securely until they are no longer needed by the courts, the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, or investigating deputies.

  • Average annual intake: ~800 new cases

  • Items stored: Related to over 6,000 active and historical cases

  • Types of evidence: Everything from minor offenses like drug possession to major crimes such as homicide

The evidence room maintains a high standard of organization and security, helping to preserve the chain of custody for successful prosecutions.

Collaboration & Coordination

To ensure the highest level of accuracy and accountability, the Property and Evidence Section works closely with:

  • West Virginia State Police Crime Lab

  • FBI Crime Laboratory

  • Other state and federal agencies nationwide

This collaboration ensures evidence can be processed, analyzed, and shared effectively across jurisdictions when necessary.

DNA Sample Management

In addition to handling case evidence, the section is responsible for collecting, storing, and transporting DNA samples from convicted felons. These samples are entered into national databases maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, where they may be matched with evidence in unsolved crimes across the country.

The Property and Evidence Section is essential to the mission of justice—maintaining the integrity of physical evidence, supporting ongoing investigations, and contributing to national efforts in crime-solving through secure DNA collection and storage.