Policy Text
Policy Delano Police Department
807 Delano PD Policy Manual
Restoration of Firearm Serial Numbers
807.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The primary purpose for restoring firearm serial numbers is to determine the prior owners or
origin of the item from which the number has been recovered. Thus, property can be returned to
rightful owners or investigations can be initiated to curb illegal trade of contraband firearms. The
purpose of this plan is to develop standards, methodologies, and safety protocols for the recovery
of obliterated serial numbers from firearms and other objects using procedures that are accepted
as industry standards in the forensic community. All personnel who are involved in the restoration
of serial numbers will observe the following guidelines. This policy complies with Penal Code §
11108.9.
807.2 PROCEDURE
Any firearm coming into the possession of the Delano Police Department as evidence, found
property, etc., where the serial numbers have been removed or obliterated will be processed in
the following manner:
807.2.1 PRELIMINARY FIREARM EXAMINATION
(a) Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Be sure the firearm is in
an unloaded condition. This includes removal of the ammunition source (e.g., the
detachable magazine, contents of the tubular magazine) as well as the chamber
contents.
(b) If the firearm is corroded shut or in a condition that would preclude inspection of the
chamber contents, treat the firearm as if it is loaded. Make immediate arrangements
for a firearms examiner or other qualified examiner to render the firearm safe.
(c) Accurately record/document the condition of the gun when received. Note the positions
of the various components such as the safeties, cylinder, magazine, slide, hammer,
etc. Accurately record/document cylinder chamber and magazine contents. Package
the ammunition separately.
(d) If the firearm is to be processed for fingerprints or trace evidence, process before
the serial number restoration is attempted. First record/document important aspects
such as halos on the revolver cylinder face or other relevant evidence that might be
obscured by the fingerprinting chemicals.
807.2.2 PROPERTY BOOKING PROCEDURE
Any employee taking possession of a firearm with removed/obliterated serial numbers shall book
the firearm into property following standard procedures. The employee booking the firearm shall
indicate on the property form that serial numbers have been removed or obliterated.
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2019/12/06, All Rights Reserved. Restoration of Firearm Serial Numbers - 1
Published with permission by Delano Police Department