Palmer Police Go Online Auction Route

Do we have a bid?

The Palmer Township Police Department is holding an auction, an online auction, to dispose of some evidence and property.

But don't worry. There's nothing illegal about it, Police Chief Larry Palmer said.

Sgt. Michael Vangelo told the Palmer Township Board of Supervisors about the online auction -- which can be found at propertyroom.com -- at a meeting last month.

"It's cases that are no more use to us," Vangelo said. "The items are stored at the police department.

Vangelo said that a service -- Property Room of Frederick, Md. -- approached the department about doing an online auction. The department splits the proceeds with the company 50-50, he said.

"And they dispose of the rest free of charge if it doesn't sell," Vangelo said.

"I'm not aware of this process," Solicitor Charles Bruno said. "I know the police department will make sure what's up for sale is totally unnecessary."

Township Supervisor K. Michael Mitchell asked about guns and was told that they aren't part of the auction.

Vangelo said that guns are destroyed by a court order and must be melted.

Palmer said he participated in online auctions while chief in Easton and they generate more exposure.

"If you hold an auction, you usually get a few people show up who bid on bikes for $1," he said. "This is exposure to thousands of people."