Chapter 9.30
INVENTORY SEARCHES OF IMPOUNDED VEHICLES
Sections:
9.30.020 Administrative program.
9.30.030 Inventory search procedure.
9.30.010 Purpose.
The purpose and intent of this chapter is to protect personal property which may be located in an impounded vehicle; to prevent or reduce the assertion of false claims against the city for lost or stolen property or damage to a vehicle; and to reduce or eliminate the danger to police officers and others which may result from dangerous or hazardous materials located in a vehicle. (Ord. 98-116, 1998)
9.30.020 Administrative program.
In order to meet the requirements of law, it is necessary to adopt an administrative program for inventory searches which is designed and systematically administered so that the inventory involves no exercise of discretion by the person conducting the inventory. (Ord. 98-116, 1998)
9.30.030 Inventory search procedure.
All impounded vehicles shall be inventoried by a police officer as soon as reasonably possible after the impoundment. The officer conducting the inventory shall make a written record of the condition of the vehicle and any personal property located therein, including all self-contained items. Locked containers shall be inventoried as a singular item and shall not be forced open unless special circumstances exist which justify the opening of the container under the policy reasons set forth above. The glove box, trunk, and all other enclosed compartments of the vehicle shall be inspected, provided they are unlocked or accessible by use of a key. Objects found with the vehicle shall be scrutinized only to the extent necessary to identify them. Once the inventory is completed, the vehicle shall be secured in a safe place. (Ord. 98-116, 1998)