| Evidence Officer procedure | Disposal | Towed Vehicle Updates |
IMPOUNDING
OFFICER PROCEDURES
List vehicles and keys on a separate property
receipt from other evidence. List one vehicle per receipt. Items recovered from the vehicle are to be
listed on a separate property receipt.
If the vehicle is a recovered stolen:
Contact the agency that filed the stolen report.
Have the agency do a hand-check verification of stolen status.
Check for marks or information to confirm the identification of the vehicle and determine whether vehicle is drivable.
If the vehicle is drivable, attempt to contact the owner.
If the owner cannot be reached or the vehicle is not drivable, request a tow provider per Sheriff’s Office policy.
If the vehicle needs to be processed, try to do so at the scene using a crime scene technician or deputy. If this is not possible or practical, then tow the vehicle per Sheriff’s Office policy. Request the provider to protect the vehicle by storing it in a covered area of the provider’s tow yard.
If the vehicle is suspected of being involved in a major criminal incident or if a detective requests it be specially processed , the vehicle may be towed to the vehicle bay. (Be sure that the vehicle is parked on butcher paper to catch fluids and prevent cross-contamination of evidence.)
If the vehicle is to be searched or processed by Forensic Science Technicians, leave the keys in the vehicle. Otherwise, submit the keys to Property-Evidence. List them on the same property-evidence receipt as the vehicle.
Attach a copy of the LEDS and NCIC printout to the property receipt with the tow bill.
If the vehicle is not a known stolen:
Run the license plate.
If the license plate does not belong on the vehicle, remove and log the license plate as a separate item on the property receipt.
If the vehicle was involved in a major crime and needs to be
searched or processed by forensic science technicians, tow it to the vehicle
bay at headquarters. (Be sure that the
vehicle is parked on butcher paper
to catch fluids and prevent
cross-contamination of evidence. If the
vehicle bays are occupied, contact an investigations division sergeant for
alternative locations.
If the vehicle is to be searched or processed by Forensic
Science Technicians, leave the keys in the vehicle. Otherwise, submit the keys
to Property-Evidence. List them on the
same property-evidence receipt as the vehicle.
Complete a
vehicle inventory form. Submit the white copy with your original
report. The yellow and green copy goes
to Property-Evidence.
Remove all
items of value for safekeeping.
Process them according to the instruction in this manual for that
particular item. List these items on a separate property-evidence report from the
vehicle and keys.
Remove any perishable items (to avoid further damage to the vehicle from spoilage, and to discourage pests). The Property-Evidence Office cannot receive or store food items (see FOOD).
Photograph the case number and item number. Photograph the item, including any unique marks or distinguishing characteristics.
Indicate on the property-evidence report that the food was photographed and if it was returned to the owner or destroyed.
Complete
the evidence label and attach it to a twist-on tag, and attach to vehicle. The evidence tag must also include the type
of case and the name of the officer requesting the tow.
Complete the
property-evidence report. Place the pink copy inside the vehicle in a
place where it will be protected from the weather and easily located.
Write the case
number on the tow bill, sign and attach a copy to the property-evidence report. Outside agencies should list the requesting
agency and supervisor name on the tow bill.
Place the yellow and green copy of the property-evidence
report in the property-evidence basket
in the Evidence Processing Room.
Notify records with the information required for the tow
log.
NOTE:
The
vehicle and its keys should be on a separate property-evidence report from any
remaining property in the case. Only 1 vehicle per property-evidence report
accepted.
Before winter, notify the Fleet Manager that an appointment to winterize the vehicles needs to be made. The evidence officer will assure that vehicles in the storage area are winterized.
STORAGE:
Place the barcode on the property receipt and then the
corresponding barcode to the back of the property receipt for the vehicle.
Using the barcode reader, scan the vehicle to the impound
lot (IL) location.
Keys are to be barcoded to the shelf AD12 in chronological
order by case number.
The property receipt is to be filed in the vehicle book.
Upon disposition,
request authorization
from Investigating Officer.
Upon expiration of Statute of Limitations,
request
authorization from Investigating Officer.
Upon authorization:
Run the vehicle for registered owner and legal owner.
Send a Vehicle Letter and Notice of Opportunity to the owner, legal owner and insurance company, if applicable. Send via certified mail.
A $10.00 per day storage fee begins 7 working days after the date of the letter.
The original tow bill must be paid by the receiver before the vehicle can be released. The tow bill is waived when the vehicle was seized to be searched.
When the vehicle is not released by the letter’s 30-day deadline call for a non-preference tow.
Place the original property-evidence report and letters in the inactive files in the back of the evidence storage room.
If a vehicle is subject to Civil Forfeiture, the department Forfeiture Clerk handles all paperwork, viewing, release, etc.
Please notify Tamara Markle when ever a vehicle is towed to the Impound Lot, Vehicle Bays, or other Sheriff's Office location. This includes any updated information;
Vehicle was towed to the Vehicle Bays and later moved to the impound lot, or
Vehicle was towed to the Vehicle Bays and later transferred to a private tow lot,
Etc.
Tamara is able to update the vehicle's LEDs entry so any agency can advise the owner as to its current status.
Revised 1/24/05