Are you thinking about buying or selling at an Arizona police seizure auction? This article is designed to provide you with the details on police auctions, where the items come from and how you can get a deal on items that have been seized by the authorities. Specifics may vary from auction to auction; however, the following information includes helpful and important guidelines from which everyone can benefit.

The Phoenix Police Museum was started back in the 90's and it houses all artifacts and documentation written about the history of the Phoenix Police Department, which started in 1881. Some of the items contained in the Phoenix Police Museum include the weapons used in the late 1800's and the first record book. Early criminal activity was recorded in books, hence the meaning of the term "book-em." There is also a typical jail cell reproduction on display.

One of the most interesting items being displayed is a 1919 Model T convertible police car that was used by the Phoenix Police Department. Top speed was only 15 mph!

The Phoenix Police Museum has a memorial room that commemorates all of the officers that have been killed in the line of duty. There are 33 in total.

When items aren't going up for display in the Phoenix Police Museum, they're going up for sale at an Arizona police seizure auction! These items can include cars, tools, electronics, jewelry, sporting, coins, commercial heavy equipment, real estate, antiques, guns and more.

Here are some Arizona police seizure auction buyer tips that will help you avoid common mistakes made by buyers:

- When the auction starts, you will hear a ringman call out a lot number and give a brief description of the item. The auctioneer will begin selling the item and will ask for you to bid. The auctioneer continues to go up in increments until the item has been sold. Once the bidding has closed, the auctioneer will say "sold" and state the winning bidder's number and the final selling price.

- During the auction, clerks record the description of your items and your buyer number as well as the amount you paid for the item.

- A fast-moving auction benefits both buyers and sellers. Auctioneers have the right to reject any bid amount that would slow the bidding. Auctioneers cannot wait for slow bidders, so know in advance what to buy and how much to spend. Your inability to keep up with the bidding pace is not the auctioneers' concern.

- Don't be shy about bidding loud and large. Raise your bid card in the air if you want an item and keep it up until you are done bidding. Make certain the auctioneer is aware you are bidding because the auctioneer may be taking bids from someone in front of or behind you. Once the auctioneer says "sold," the item is gone even if you are willing to continue bidding. There are no do-overs in the auction business. Spotters or ringmen are there to help the auctioneer spot bids and will signal your bid to the auctioneer.