Lost and Found: How UT Police Helps Reunite The Community With Their Valuables

When a patient’s missing wedding ring was found, what began as a stressful situation became an opportunity for a husband to celebrate the love of his life.

That is the story UT Police Evidence Coordinator Maria Valdez heard after helping reunite a patent with a ring that had been lost. Among her duties, Valdez ensures the safekeeping of found property turned over to UT Police.

Rings are often turned in, Valdez said, and this patient was clinging to hope that someone had turned hers in.

The call to Valdez came in after the patient realized she had left her wedding ring on a sink before undergoing a procedure. The ring held tremendous sentimental value because it had belonged to her mother-in-law.

After checking records, Valdez was able to confirm that the ring had been found and secured, and the patient’s husband was able to pick it up at UT Police headquarters.

"When her husband brought the ring into her hospital room, he got down on one knee and proposed to her again," Valdez recalled. "She was so grateful."

Stories like this highlight the impact a simple act of turning in a found item can have on someone's life.

The Journey of a Lost Item

A lost item can be much more than a misplaced belonging, even when its value might seem nominal to most. For patients, visitors, students and workforce members, losing a personal item can be a stressful experience, especially if it happens on an emotional or busy day.

Fortunately, the UT Police’s lost and found process is designed to safeguard misplaced belongings and increase the chances of reconnecting them with their owners.

Every item turned in to UT Police follows a carefully documented chain-of-custody process to ensure it remains secure.

"When an item is turned in, a police officer or public safety officer requests a property number from our dispatch team," Valdez explained. "The item is then placed in a property bag and all identifying information is documented. The item is turned in and placed in the property room, where it is reviewed and further processed."

This structured process helps ensure that lost property is properly tracked from the moment it is found until it is returned or otherwise disposed of, in accordance with policy.

A Service for Everyone

Every day, employees, patients, students and visitors help make successful reunions possible by taking the time to turn in found belongings.

"I think people sometimes feel there aren't any good people left," she said. "When I'm able to tell them, 'Yes, we have it', they're often shocked and incredibly grateful."

Lost and found services are available to anyone at UTHealth Houston or UT MD Anderson buildings and facilities. Whether an item is misplaced at a Texas Medical Center location or at a UT MD Anderson Houston-Area Location, UT Police serves as a central point for collecting, securing and returning found property.

How You Can Help

Valdez encourages anyone who discovers a lost item to act quickly.

If possible, staff should contact the owner immediately, especially if the person has only recently left an appointment or is expected to return soon. If not, employees who find property should turn it over to UT Police as soon as possible.

"The sooner we receive the item, the better the chances of reuniting it with its owner," Valdez said.

While not every lost item finds its way home, the dedication of UT Police staff and the honesty of community members mean that many treasured belongings get a second chance at being returned to the people who value them most.

How long are items kept by UT Police?

Items are retained by UT Police for 90 days. Items that remain longer than 90 days are disposed of in accordance with Texas statutes and divisional procedures.

To increase the chances that a treasured item is returned to you, consider including identifying information on personal belongings, such as water bottles, bags, or digital devices. Adding a name, phone number or medical record number, when appropriate, can also help facilitate a return.

Finding Lost Items Online

UT Police is currently modernizing its found property record system. During the transition, the lost property database is unavailable on our website. Contact UT Police directly at 713-792-2890 for assistance in locating a lost item.