To have a firearm returned, the following steps must be completed:
1. Release Letter: If a firearm was seized as evidence, a release letter from the Juvenile Court indicating that the firearm is no longer needed is required.. Please have the following available before contacting the court: complaint number, the name of the claimant of the firearm, and the name of the defendant if known. For a release letter from Juvenile Court:
Family Court - Juvenile Division
Attn: Special Investigation
920 N. Vandeventer Ave
St. Louis, MO 63109
(314) 552-2000
When the release letter has been obtained, please submit it with additional paperwork listed below.
2. The claimant should completely fill out this affidavit form.The form should describe the firearm(s), and the circumstances which caused the firearm to be in the police department custody. Proof of ownership also is required for the return of any firearm. A copy of the Sheriff’s permit, bill of sale, or store receipt will satisfy this requirement. If neither of these items can be provided, then include in the affidavit how you came to own the weapon. Examples include: firearm was a gift, inherited from family member, or no longer has paperwork.
3. If the firearm was reported lost or stolen by another agency, other than the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, then a copy of that agency’s police report and a signed letter of release on their department’s letterhead is required. Note, an agency that reported the firearm stolen has the first claim to the firearm. If an agency elects to seize the firearm, you will need to contact that agency to retrieve your firearm.
When all steps have been completed, all paperwork should be either emailed, faxed or mailed back to Property Custody.
Email: propertycustodyfirearms@slmpd.org
Fax: (314) 444-5944
U.S. Mail: St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department
ATTN: Property Custody Division
1915 Olive Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63103
If you have any questions, check out our FAQ.
