Prior to towing any vehicle to the impound lot or other designated police location, officers, or other authorized personnel, shall conduct an inventory search of the vehicle.
The purpose of the search is to:
- Protect the vehicle owners property.
- Protect the department and city against disputes over lost or stolen property.
- Protect the officers and other employees from dangerous instrumentalities.
Having these purposes in mind, any container(s) discovered during the inventory search may be opened if the officers are unable to ascertain from examining the containers exterior what is inside.
Officers must remember, prior to the inventory of any vehicle, the impoundment must be lawful and not a subterfuge to search a vehicle where other grounds to search are lacking.
Revised July 1, 2011