Ala. Code § 45-27-60.08

The county medical examiner and assistant medical examiners of Escambia County, or any law enforcement officer having jurisdiction and the approval of the county medical examiner, shall take possession of personal effects on or about the dead body and notify the next of kin in regard to the death. The personal effects may either be retained as evidence if deemed necessary or be returned forthwith to the next of kin.