Seattle Police Manual

16.080 – Fireworks Disposal & Disposition

Effective Date: 11/20/2007

POLICY

The Arson/Bomb Squad has placed fireworks collection barrels at each of the Precincts, and the barrels will now remain for use on a year-round basis. These barrels are clearly marked and are secured with padlocks. Keys for the barrels, along with a key checkout log, will be maintained by the precinct desk officers. Fireworks will no longer be taken to the Evidence Section for storage. Further, the Seattle Fire Department will not accept fireworks from either officers or citizens. In response to telephone inquiries, citizens should be directed to the nearest precinct for disposal of found fireworks.

I. Procedure for handling fireworks:

A. Fireworks needed as evidence:

1. Fireworks will be placed in an envelope or paper bag (plastic containers should not be used due to possible static electricity hazard);

2. A copy of the related citation will be attached or the General Offense Number will be written on the envelope or paper bag and the evidence will be placed in the barrel and secured;

3. The Arson/Bomb Squad (206-684-8980) will be contacted immediately if the quantity of fireworks is too large to safely fit in a barrel;

4. Arson/Bomb Squad personnel will respond and take items to the bunker, where they will be held until disposition of the criminal investigation and/or charges, at which time Arson/Bomb Squad personnel will be responsible for disposal.

B. Fireworks which have been turned in, or confiscated, and are not needed as evidence:

1. Fireworks will be placed in an envelope or paper bag (plastic containers should not be used due to possible static electricity hazard);

2. A copy of a Memorandum documenting the circumstances under which the fireworks were recovered will be attached or the Street Check Number or General Offense Number will be written on the envelope or paper bag (If fireworks are recovered ancillary to a criminal investigation, but are not wanted as evidence, write the General Offense Number on the envelope or paper bag and note that the fireworks are “not needed as evidence”);

3. With any related paperwork attached, the fireworks will be placed into the barrel and secured;

4. The Arson/Bomb Squad will be contacted immediately if the quantity of fireworks is too large to safely fit into the barrel;

5. Arson/Bomb Squad personnel will respond and take charge of the items for disposal.

Note: Collection of any number of M-80 size devices, or larger, will require immediate notification of the Arson/Bomb Squad for response. At no time will any fireworks be placed outside the fireworks barrel. Should the barrel be full, the Arson/Bomb Squad must be immediately contacted for response and collection.

If there is any question about the appropriateness of placing any item in the barrel, contact the Arson/Bomb Squad immediately.