There is nothing under any code section in the state of virginia that i am aware of that would give permission to remove a serial number from anything, even if it was used illegally. They dont remove serial numbers from guns, why do it from radar detectors. It should not happen. It may be under certain jurisdiction's operation procedures, but I would think that would make them liable in case the detector was reported stolen later, victim could come back on the department and say it is untraceable now due to them removing the serial number. Where did this supposedly happen at that the serial number was removed?