My local Police auction has professional auctioneers. No buyers premium either. They give you a card to hold up when you bid.
Some bikes are good for parts, others that are somewhat ready for the road usually get higher bids. Things I look for are forks that are not bent back, bolt-on rear derailleur, aluminium parts, etc. You will see bikes that were spray painted, and some of these can be good buys!
Here are a couple I've picked up, the first one I got last year for $12.00 plus tax. The other, this spring for $20.00, I parted it out since then.
