§ 24.80.020. Opening and searching impounded vehicles.

A.

Vehicles may be impounded by the municipal police department by using the services of a contractor to perform the actual movement of the vehicle to an approved impounding yard.

B.

The impounding contractor is prohibited from opening or searching any vehicle he impounds, and from removing anything from it.

C.

A vehicle listed by license plate number on the "stolen list" will be reported as impounded to the owner as soon as possible. If the owner's location cannot readily be determined by ordinary means, a police officer will open and search the vehicle for information to help in this regard.

D.

When a vehicle not listed by license plate number on the "stolen list" is unclaimed for two weeks, a police officer will open and search it for ownership evidence. The police department will report the vehicle as impounded to the owner as soon as possible.

E.

If it is determined that the vehicle contains something of value that is perishable, or a pet, the officer directing the impoundment will open the vehicle and remove such items and place them in protective custody.

F.

In all instances of vehicle opening, an inventory will be made of the contents in the presence of a witness. Such inventory will describe simply the types and quantities of items sufficient for identification, except that cameras and firearms will be identified by manufacturer and serial number when available. The inventory list will be made and signed by the officer and witness, in duplicate. The original will be kept at police headquarters, and the copy placed in the vehicle.

G.

The police department may open and search the vehicle for any other lawful reason.

(CAC 10.48.130)