College Decision

The purpose of this decision is to establish a standard procedure for the handling, control, and disposal of abandoned personal property at TSTC Harlingen.

PROCEDURE

1. Section 51.213 "Abandoned Personal Property of the Texas Education Code states:
   "The governing board of each state institution of higher education, including public junior colleges, is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations providing for the disposition of abandoned and unclaimed personal property coming into the possession of the TSTC Police personnel where the personal property is not being held as evidence to be used in any pending criminal case."
   
2. All abandoned or found personal property is to be turned in to the TSTC Police Department. All unclaimed or abandoned personal property of every kind, shall be transferred to the TSTC Police Department immediately. The TSTC Police Department will arrange to pick up the property and thereafter handle it in accordance with established TSTC Police Department procedure.
   
3. All personal property will be returned to the rightful owner, upon proof of ownership.
   
4. The following records will be maintained by the TSTC Police for all abandoned/found property received:
   1. Description of each item;
   2. Date received;
   3. Name and address of owner, if known;
   4. If claimed by owner, date;
   5. Date property was picked up by the TSTC Police; and
   6. Signature for receipt of property picked up by the TSTC Police.
      
5. Abandoned bicycles which have been impounded by the TSTC Police Department (those parked on TSTC property, not moved for a period of 30 days and which are not claimed) will be kept in the possession of the TSTC Police for a period of at least 60 days after coming into the possession of the department. Thereafter, the TSTC Police will arrange to pick up the bicycles and handle them in accordance with established procedure for the disposal of surplus property.
   
6. All money turned in to the TSTC Police will be held until the owner is identified and claims the money or for a period of 30 days, whichever is less. Any money not claimed within the 30 day period will be hand carried to the TSTC Business Office. The TSTC Chief Financial Officer will be responsible for depositing the money into the appropriate TSTC Account.
   
7. Any abandoned cash that remains in the accounts after three years should be reported to the State Treasurer as abandoned personal property in compliance with Chapter 74 of the Texas Property Code.
   
8. The TSTC Police will comply with all legal waiting periods, statutes, and procedures before releasing any property for disposal.