Property and Evidence Unit

(973) 378-6352
(856) 756-2450

The NJ TRANSIT Police Department's Property & Evidence Unit stores, controls, secures, and disposes of physical evidence and property collected by its employees. The unit handles seized property, as well as evidence of crimes and contraband. The property and evidence is held in a vault for a period of time as prescribed by law with some evidence being maintained indefinitely.

Evidence and Contraband

Evidence of a crime is all articles related to a crime which links the suspect to that crime, victim, or crime scene. These items are held until the case is closed. Contraband is anything that is illegal, such as narcotics, paraphernalia, or in some cases weapons. Contraband is destroyed by incineration after a case is completed.

Seized property

Seized property is evidence or proceeds of a crime. Seized property is either turned over to the proper County Property and Evidence Unit or held by NJ TRANSIT's Police Department until forfeiture proceedings are complete. You may contact the Property and Evidence Unit at (973) 378-6352 for Transit Districts 2, 3 and 4 or 973 508-0143 for Transit Districts 5, 6 and 7 on Tuesday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to determine the status of seized property.

Property Retrieval

If you wish to retrieve property that is held by NJ TRANSIT Police, you must make an appointment with the Property and Evidence Unit. You may call (973) 378-6352 for property seized in Transit Districts 2, 3 and 4 or (973) 508-0143 for property confiscated in Transit Districts 5, 6 and 7 from Tuesday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to arrange your pickup.

Please note, documentation and information are required before you are able to retrieve property:

  •     Photo identification is required.
  •     The case number from the original police call.
  •     You may assign another person to retrieve your property. The following is required:
    •         A notarized letter of authorization.
    •         Photo identification.
    •         The case number.
    •         The name of the person you are granting this authority to.
    •         A brief description of the items.
    •         Your signature.
    •         Notarization.
  •     In some cases, other documentation is required. You may call (973) 378-6352 for property retrieval in Transit Districts 2, 3 and 4 and (973) 508-0143 for Transit Districts 5, 6 and 7 for more information.

Vehicle Impound/Seizure

Vehicles usually are impounded by the police due to a traffic violation. If your vehicle has been impounded for a motor vehicle violation, you should contact the Records Bureau at (973) 491-8424.

However, if your vehicle was impounded because it was proceeds of a crime or used in the commission of a crime, it may be subject to seizure. Contact the Property and Evidence Unit for instructions by calling either (973) 378-6352 for vehicles seized in Transit Districts 2, 3 and 4 or (973) 508-0143 for vehicles seized in Transit Districts 5, 6 and 7 Tuesday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.