Property and Evidence Specialist, Krystal Ludgate

1). Full Name, Department you work for, How long at Department, Number of officers, official title.

Krystal Ludgate, Edina Police Department, 10 years, 55+ officers, Property and Evidence Specialist

2). Who is in the evidence department with you?

Just me, myself and I.  Oh, and sometimes what I think is a ghost of a murder victim.

3). What is your involvement with MAPET?

I am the social media coordinator.  Joint responsibilities of the website and Facebook page.  I like having a more laid-back position.

4). What are some of your favorite evidence technician/property room manager tasks?

I LOVE to organize in real life so clearing off a shelf and reorganizing is super fun for me.  I love making signs, labels and lists.  Sharpies are my best friend.  Going on Search Warrants is fun and very helpful when processing evidence.  When you are there to see it collected, it makes so much more sense.      

5). What is the most unique/weird item currently in your Property room?

1.  I have a hand-held cannon that was used to commit suicide.  It looks like something you’d see on a desk that might be a pencil sharpener.

2.  The driver’s seat from a car in which a murder victim was placed and then the car was set on fire.  It was a very traumatic series of events for all the officers involved so I feel like having the seat here is closure for them because it was her last location.  She’s the ghost I think comes from time to time. 

6). What is currently your biggest challenge?

Prior to my predecessor there was not a very good system for documentation so I have some property that has no paperwork associated with it.  We’re constantly doing research trying to figure out if we need to keep it or not and no one wants to make the decision.  It’s very frustrating. 

7). Recent victory in your property room?

I just got my property retention policy changed from end of sentence to post conviction appeal period.

We also completed our very first ever inventory last fall.  It was a very daunting task but so worth it.

8). What advice would you give to new techs in the field?

Know your role and responsibilities and know them well.  Seek out training opportunities, you can never have enough as this is an ever-evolving position.  No one wants your job so learn how to do it well and own it.