Request the Return of Evidence

An appointment is required to retrieve items from our evidence room as there is an authorization process that must be followed prior to all releases. Items are not available for pick up without an appointment.   

To inquire about the release of evidence or to schedule a release appointment contact the Evidence Coordinator at 608-284-6895.  Release appointments can be scheduled Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 3:00 pm.   

Typically evidence cannot be returned until:

• The case is closed through the courts, and,
• The Evidence Coordinator has received proper authorization to release the property from the Lead Deputy or Detective and/or DA's Office

Once the release is approved, the Evidence Coordinator will reach out to the property owner to set up a release appointment.  Please remember to bring a valid Photo ID with you to your release appointment.

THIRD PARTY RELEASE 

If the property owner is unable to pick up their own belongings and requests a 3rd party to pick it up on their behalf, a notarized letter is required. 

This notarized letter must include:

• Written request for release to third party
• Owner name and contact information
• Third party name and contact information
• DCSO incident number and description of item(s) to be picked up by third party
• Letter must be signed and notarized by property owner

Mail to:  Dane County Sheriff's Office, Attn: Evidence Coordinator, 115 W Doty St, Madison WI  53703

Once the letter is received at DCSO, the Evidence Coordinator will verify the information provided and reach out to the third party to schedule the release appointment. Please remember to bring a valid Photo ID with you to your release appointment. 

RETURN OF FIREARM

If the evidence you are requesting is a firearm there is a seperate process that must be followed before the release of any firearms. 

Typically a firearm cannot be returned until:

• The case is closed through the courts
• It is determined that the firearm was NOT used in the commission of a crime Wisconsin Legislature: 968.20(1m)
• The Evidence Coordinator has received proper authorization to release the firearm from the Lead Deputy or Detective and/or DA's Office
• A thorough Firearm Background Check has been completed and there are NO State or Federal disqualifiers prohibiting the owner from possessing a firearm

Once the authorization for release is received and the firearm background is completed and approved, the Evidence Coordinator will reach out to the firearm owner to set up a release appointment.  Please remember to bring a valid Photo ID with you to your release appointment.

**Important Note** We do not release ammunition the same day as a firearm.  If we are in possession of ammunition that has been approved for release, the owner must set up a 2nd release appointment at a later date or request to have it destroyed.

RETURN OF COURT ORDERED FIREARMS

Court ordered firearm returns are handled differently than other firearm returns.