Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What types of services does Police Evidence Audits, LLC provide?
   We specialize in comprehensive audits, full or partial inventories, organization solutions, and training specific to law enforcement property and evidence rooms. Our services are designed to meet IAPE standards and state compliance requirements. (See our Services tab for additional services.) 

2. Do you travel out of state to conduct audits or inventories?
   Yes. We serve agencies nationwide. Travel is included in our pricing, and we tailor each engagement based on the location and project scope.

3. Are your services compliant with IAPE standards and state regulations?
   Absolutely. Our audit and inventory processes are built around IAPE best practices and adapted to align with your specific state and agency requirements.

4. How long does an audit or inventory typically take?
   The timeframe varies by agency size, scope of services, and number of items. A typical full inventory and audit may take between 3 to 7 days onsite, followed by a detailed report.

5. Do you work with agencies that are not currently operational or understaffed?
   Yes. We assist agencies in transition, including those lacking full-time staff or currently relying on sheriff’s office services. We provide solutions to secure, track, and manage existing evidence.

6. Will our agency need to provide staff to assist during the audit or inventory?
   Limited staff involvement may be needed for access, coordination, and questions, but we handle the heavy lifting. Our team is experienced in working independently and securely within your facility.

7. What happens if discrepancies or policy violations are discovered during an audit?
   Our goal is to identify risks and offer practical, confidential recommendations. All findings are documented in a professional report, and we provide guidance on how to correct issues and improve future practices.

8. Can you help us move or consolidate our evidence into a new facility?
   Yes. We specialize in relocation planning, chain-of-custody preservation, and strategic implementation when transitioning into a new evidence room or temporary storage space.

9. Is your company insured and are your team members qualified?
   Yes. Police Evidence Audits, LLC is fully insured. All team members are law enforcement professionals or specialists with extensive experience in evidence handling and audits.

10. How do we get started or request a quote?
    Simply contact us through our website or email us directly. We’ll schedule a free consultation to understand your needs and provide a customized proposal. 

11. What is the purpose of an evidence room audit?
    An evidence room audit is designed to assess the integrity, accountability, and organization of your agency’s property and evidence operations. It helps identify discrepancies, policy gaps, security risks, and areas for improvement. The goal is to ensure compliance with best practices, protect the chain of custody, and reduce liability for your agency.

12. How often should an evidence room be audited?
    Best practices recommend a full audit at least once per year. In addition, audits should be conducted whenever there is staff turnover—particularly when a new evidence technician, supervisor, or property room manager is assigned. An audit is also recommended when a new chief or sheriff takes command, after any major incident involving evidence, and prior to accreditation renewals or inspections. Regular audits help ensure accountability, preserve the chain of custody, and demonstrate a commitment to transparency and compliance.

13. Do I need an audit, a full inventory, or both?
    It depends on your agency’s goals and current challenges. An audit reviews your policies, procedures, chain of custody, security, storage practices, and compliance with best practices. A full inventory involves physically locating and verifying each item in your evidence management system.
    Many agencies choose both to ensure their operations are legally sound and fully accountable. We’re happy to discuss your specific needs and help you determine the right approach.

14. Do you provide training for evidence custodians?
    Yes. We offer customized training for evidence custodians, supervisors, and command staff. Our training is designed to reinforce best practices, help your team stay ahead of compliance issues, and reduce liability. We also provide targeted instruction on how to utilize your agency’s Records Management System (RMS) to its fullest potential, ensuring accurate documentation, efficient workflows, and better oversight of property and evidence. Training can be delivered in person or virtually and is tailored to meet your agency’s specific needs.

15. How do you ensure confidentiality during the audit?
    Confidentiality is a top priority throughout every stage of our work. We do not share findings publicly, and all reports are provided exclusively to your agency's authorized leadership. Sensitive data, including case information and personnel concerns, is handled with the utmost discretion. Our audits are designed to support internal improvement—not to assign blame or create exposure. We also offer the option to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) if your agency prefers additional legal protection.

16. How is a PEA audit different from an internal review?
    Internal reviews are typically conducted by agency personnel and may be limited in scope, objectivity, or expertise. A PEA audit brings an outside, unbiased perspective backed by years of law enforcement and evidence management experience.

17. What kinds of issues do audits typically uncover?
    Audits often identify a range of issues that can impact the integrity of your evidence operations. Common findings include:

• Missing or unaccounted-for items

• Incomplete or inconsistent documentation

• Evidence stored in unapproved or unsecured locations

• Items held beyond their retention period

• Policy violations or outdated procedures

• Poor chain-of-custody practices

• Lack of regular inspections or inventory controls

These issues may not always reflect intentional misconduct—many result from staffing shortages, outdated software, or a lack of training. Our goal is to help you correct these gaps and improve your overall system.​

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