Law Enforcement Protocol · Chain of Custody · Documented

Found a Gun in an Evicted Denver Unit — Here's Exactly What Happens

Firearms found during eviction cleanouts require immediate law enforcement involvement. We never touch them. Here is our documented protocol for every scenario.

Call (303) 324-6014

✓ Law Enforcement Handoff

✓ Video Documentation

✓ Chain of Custody Compliant

Quick Answer

If a firearm is found during a Denver eviction cleanout, our crew stops work in that area immediately, does not touch the weapon, isolates the room, and contacts law enforcement. The firearm is surrendered to law enforcement custody — never handled by our crew, the landlord, or the property manager. Everything is documented on timestamped video for your legal records. The cleanout resumes after law enforcement clears the area. Call (303) 324-6014 for eviction cleanout coordination.

3 Scenarios — 3 Protocols

Not every firearm discovery is the same. The circumstances determine the severity and which agencies get involved. Our crew is trained to assess the situation and follow the correct protocol.

Legal Firearm, Tenant Absent

The most common scenario. A handgun in a nightstand, a rifle in a closet, ammunition in a drawer. The firearm appears to be a standard, legal weapon left behind by the tenant.

1.Stop work in the area where the firearm was found

2.Do not touch the firearm — do not move it, open the cylinder, check the magazine, or pick it up

3.Isolate the area — close the door, no crew enters until law enforcement arrives

4.Contact law enforcement — non-emergency line or on-site sheriff deputy

5.Document on timestamped video — firearm location, type, condition as found

6.Law enforcement takes custody — they run the serial number and secure the weapon

7.Cleanout resumes after law enforcement clears the area

Illegal Firearm — No Serial Number or Modified

Filed-off serial number. Illegally modified (auto-sear, silencer without stamp). Short-barreled rifle without NFA registration. This is a potential crime scene.

1.Same initial protocol as Scenario A — stop, don't touch, isolate, document

2.Call 911 or the on-site deputy — this is a potential crime scene, not a non-emergency call

3.Law enforcement may expand the scene — the entire unit could become evidence

4.Cleanout may pause entirely until detectives clear the property

Firearms + Drug Evidence

Firearm discovered alongside drug paraphernalia, large quantities of cash, scales, baggies, or substances. This combination escalates to potential federal involvement.

1.Stop ALL work immediately — entire unit, not just the room

2.Evacuate crew from the unit — nobody re-enters until law enforcement clears

3.Call 911 — this is a crime scene until proven otherwise

4.May involve ATF or DEA — firearms + drugs can trigger federal investigation

5.Cleanout pauses indefinitely — could be hours, could be days depending on investigation

How to Legally Surrender Found Firearms in Colorado

If a landlord or property manager finds a firearm outside of our cleanout service, here is the legal process in Colorado:

Do not keep it. Possessing someone else's firearm without their consent creates liability.
Contact local law enforcement non-emergency line — Denver Police (720) 913-2000.
Request a voluntary surrender / found property report. Officers will come to the property or you can bring it to a station (unloaded, in a case).
Get a receipt. The report number is your proof of legal surrender.
Law enforcement runs the serial number against NCIC (National Crime Information Center) to check if it's stolen or connected to a crime.
If the tenant wants it back, they claim it from law enforcement with proof of ownership — not from you.

Never attempt to return a firearm directly to a former tenant. The chain of custody must go through law enforcement.

Eviction Cleanout Pricing

Studio / 1BR

$495–$895

2-3 Bedroom

$895–$1,500

Full House

$1,500–$2,500

Sheriff-present service: $150/person, 2-hour minimum, deposit required.

Firearm discoveries may pause the cleanout but do not add cost unless law enforcement requires a return visit. Full eviction cleanout pricing breakdown here.

Firearms During Eviction FAQ

What should I do if I find a gun in an evicted unit?

Do not touch it. Do not move it. Do not check if it's loaded. Close the door to that room, call law enforcement's non-emergency line (or 911 if it appears illegal or connected to other evidence), and wait for officers to arrive. If our crew is on-site, we handle this for you as part of our documented protocol.

Who takes custody of firearms found during eviction?

Law enforcement. Always. They respond to the property, secure the firearm, run the serial number through NCIC, and take custody. The former tenant can reclaim the weapon from law enforcement with proof of ownership. The landlord, property manager, and cleanout crew never take possession of a firearm.

Does finding a firearm delay the eviction cleanout?

It depends on the scenario. A legal firearm (Scenario A) typically delays the cleanout 1-2 hours while law enforcement responds and secures it — we work in other areas while waiting. An illegal firearm (Scenario B) or firearms with drugs (Scenario C) can pause the entire cleanout for hours or days if the unit becomes a crime scene.

What if we find multiple firearms in the unit?

Same protocol, but the response may escalate. Multiple firearms — especially combined with large amounts of ammunition — may prompt law enforcement to treat the unit more cautiously. Each firearm is documented individually on video. Law enforcement inventories and takes custody of all weapons found. Our crew does not resume work in any room containing firearms until every weapon has been secured.

How does JSD document firearm discoveries?

Timestamped video from the moment of discovery: location in the unit, type of firearm (if identifiable without touching), surrounding items, and the full law enforcement handoff. This is included in your documentation package. The video shows your crew and your company followed proper protocol — critical if the tenant later claims property was mishandled.

Does finding a firearm increase the cleanout cost?

For Scenario A (legal firearm), no — we work in other areas while waiting for law enforcement. For Scenarios B and C, the cleanout may need to be rescheduled if law enforcement holds the scene, which could require a return visit. We discuss this with the property manager or landlord before any additional charges.

Can the landlord keep a firearm found in an evicted unit?

No. Under Colorado law, a landlord cannot take possession of a tenant's firearm. Firearms must be surrendered to law enforcement. Keeping a found firearm creates criminal liability — possession of stolen property if the weapon was reported stolen, or unlawful transfer if you later attempt to return it directly. Always go through law enforcement.

What if ammunition is found but no firearm?

Ammunition without a firearm is treated as personal property under Colorado's abandoned property statute (CRS 38-12-126). We photograph and document it, then dispose of it following the standard waiting period. However, if large quantities of ammunition are found — cases, bulk boxes — we notify law enforcement as it may indicate a firearm was recently removed from the unit.

Found a Firearm? We Handle the Protocol.

Law enforcement coordination. Full documentation. Zero liability for you.

Call (303) 324-6014 See All Pricing

Licensed • Insured • Law Enforcement Coordinated • Denver Metro-Wide

500+

Jobs Completed

4.8

Google Stars (146+)

60%

Recycled / Donated

2hr

Avg Completion

What Customers Say

★★★★★

4.8 out of 5 based on 146+ Google reviews

★★★★★

“Called at 10am, crew was here by noon. Three guys cleared my entire garage in under two hours. Donated what they could, recycled the rest. Exactly what was quoted — no surprises.”

— Sarah M. via Google

★★★★★

“Used them for an eviction cleanout. Full documentation with photos, itemized list, everything I needed for the deposit dispute. Professional crew, fast work. Will use again.”

— James C. via Google

★★★★★

“Texted photos of my basement junk at 9am, had a quote in 10 minutes, crew showed up same day. They even swept the floor after. Best junk removal experience I’ve had.”

— Marcus J. via Google

Read All 146+ Reviews on Google →

Fastest Way to Get a Quote

Text us photos of what needs to go. We reply with a price in minutes — no appointment needed.

📷 Text Photos to (303) 324-6014 📞 Call Now

Family-owned & operated in Denver since 2024 · Licensed & insured · Same-day available