15.2-1721 - Disposal of unclaimed firearms or other weapons in possession of sheriff or police. - Virginia Statutes

§ 15.2-1721. Disposal of unclaimed firearms or other weapons in possession ofsheriff or police.

Any locality may destroy unclaimed firearms and other weapons which have beenin the possession of law-enforcement agencies for a period of more than sixtydays. For the purposes of this section, "unclaimed firearms and otherweapons" means any firearm or other weapon belonging to another which hasbeen acquired by a law-enforcement officer pursuant to his duties, which isnot needed in any criminal prosecution, which has not been claimed by itsrightful owner and which the State Treasurer has indicated will be declinedif remitted under the Uniform Disposition of Unclaimed Property Act (§55-210.1 et seq.).

At the discretion of the chief of police, sheriff, or their duly authorizedagents, unclaimed firearms and other weapons may be destroyed by any meanswhich renders the firearms and other weapons permanently inoperable. Prior tothe destruction of such firearms and other weapons, the chief of police,sheriff, or their duly authorized agents shall comply with the noticeprovision contained in § 15.2-1719.

(1990, c. 324, § 15.1-133.01:1; 1997, c. 587.)