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Forensics Property/Evidence Victim Advocate |
Often, objects can tell you more about a criminal act than victim or witnesses. The Forensic Science Unit concerns itself with unlocking the secrets of those objects. This unit relies heavily upon precise methodology required in scientific examination of evidence collected during criminal investigations.
All aspects of science, from biology to physics, are used to apprehend and prosecute criminals. Any evidence may be used in criminal trials; as such, each forensic scientist must become an expert, allowed to testify in court as a specialist in criminal forensic science. While many tests are done inside the Portland Police Laboratory, these Criminalists also work closely with the FBI laboratory located in Washington D.C. .
Our Property Unit is an integral part of our department. 
This unit is responsible for the cataloging and storing of evidence and property found and seized by our officers. This unit makes sure that all the evidence is properly handled and stored for future use in court. The Unit is also responsible for the storing, notifying and returning of property to their rightful owners.
The Property/Evidence system has just been updated and improved. A new storage rack system will be installed in the very near future.
All evidence and property seized around the clock, is placed into locked lockers and vaults. This property and evidence is removed during the week during the day time by Betsy Chapman for cataloging, storage and notification. For that reason if you have have property in custody of the department, for the most part, you will only be able to retrieve it during the work week, Monday through Friday during the daytime. This is to ensure the safety and integrity of our evidence and property system.
Also a part of the Property/Evidence area is our police museum. This includes an old jail cell, former uniforms and badges worn by Portland Police officers, old photographs, seized weapons, and numerous other items.
Contact Betsy Chapman at (207) 874-8502 for any questions regarding property, evidence or museum visits.
The legal system is a very daunting maze, especially for those innocently victimized. Survivors of criminal activity are often forced unwillingly into this morass; the department 's victim/witness advocate, court officers and process servers are there to assist anyone at anytime.
The Portland Police Department is the only department in the state with an in-house advocate for victims. This advocate provides support and assistance while the victim navigates themselves thorough the criminal justice system. If you are the victim or witness of a crime that happened in Portland, whether you choose to prosecute or not, you may contact the Victim/Witness Advocate at the Portland Police Department who will explain your rights as a victim or witness of a crime. The services provided by the Advocate are:
Crisis Intervention
Emotional Support
Criminal Justice System
The Portland Police Department believes that all victims and witnesses have the right to a compassionate, fair and dignified response and follow-up. The Victim/Witness Advocate is Janice Hackett. She may be reached at 874-8519.
Court officers assist in the effective administration of the work-load in district court, as well as being available to answer the many questions officers and others may have about the workings of the courtrooms. Officer Henry Small is our full-time Court Officer.
Process servers are responsible for the timely service of the volumes of paperwork that emanate from court proceedings. Subpoenas, cease harassment orders and protections for abuse are just a few of the vital responsibilities of this activity.
