The care of art and artifacts subjected to the law enforcement process

Abstract

This thesis is intended to serve as a guide for law enforcement officers on how to care for art and artifacts subjected to the law enforcement process. Law enforcement officers may encounter art and artifacts in various ways, such as through seizure, unexpected finds, and planned recovery operations. Law enforcement officers have a duty to properly care for property, to include cultural property objects such as art and artifacts, while in their custody and control, but art and artifacts often require care beyond the routine handling generally afforded to common property items. This thesis will offer suggestions for the law enforcement officer on how to recognize art and artifacts in the field and how to subsequently handle and care for same. These suggestions are meant to be integrated into existing law enforcement policies and procedures so as to realistically account for the time, skill, and financial resources associated with law enforcement officers and their respective agencies, all the while maintaining adherence to generally accepted evidence collection practices.