Atwater Police evidence room to be audited by the California Department of Justice

Merced County District Attorney's Office to investigate inconsistencies discovered when the city requested an evidence room audit by the Sheriff's Office in January, the city said.

August 10, 2018

ATWATER, California - The evidence room at the Atwater Police Department was closed by the interim chief pending an audit to be conducted by the California Department of Justice.

Interim Chief Drew Bessinger closed and rekeyed the evidence room in preparation for the audit.

Since January, the city of Atwater has been working with the California Department of Justice, the Merced County Sheriff's Department and the Merced County District Attorney's Office to investigate inconsistencies discovered when the city requested an evidence room audit by the Sheriff's Office in January, the city said.

Following the conclusion of the audit, the evidence room will be brought back online, the city said. The Police Department will develop and implement best practices in evidence so that going forward there will be no further issues.