Impounding Procedures

8.1 Purpose

The purpose of this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is to establish clear guidelines for San Andreas State Police (SASP) officers when impounding vehicles. Proper impounding procedures ensure compliance with department policies, legal requirements, and public safety considerations.

8.2 Definitions

• Impound: The act of seizing and storing a vehicle in a designated impound lot.

8.3 Vehicle Impound Justifications

Officers are authorized to impound a vehicle under the following circumstances:

8.3.1 Criminal Impound

A vehicle may be impounded when:

• It is used in the commission of a crime.

• The driver is arrested, and no authorized party is available to take custody of the vehicle.

• The vehicle is stolen and recovered but the rightful owner is unavailable.

• It contains evidence related to an active investigation.

8.3.2 Traffic Violations & Road Safety

A vehicle may be impounded when:

• It is abandoned or illegally parked, obstructing traffic or creating a hazard.

• The driver is operating the vehicle without a valid driver’s license, registration, or insurance.

• It is found to be unroadworthy (e.g., severe mechanical issues, missing plates, or excessive damage).

8.3.3 Private Property

• If a vehicle is parked on private property without authorization, the property owner may request impoundment.

8.4 Vehicle Impounding Procedures

8.4.1 Officer Responsibilities

1. Take photographs of the vehicle. Document the location, license plate information, and owner (if involved in a crime).

2. Conduct a Vehicle Inventory – Document any visible damage and list all valuable items inside.

3. Impound the Vehicle

8.4.2 Impound Times

• Misdemeanor / Illegally Parked: 2 Hour

• First Degree Speeding: 4 Hours

• Felony: 8 Hours

• Violent Felony: 16 Hours

• Ocean Dump: 24 Hours

  • Drug/Firearm Trafficking: 7 Days

• Drug Trafficking is defined as: more than 30 bricks, 100 bags, or 100 loose drugs (weed, meth, cocaine, etc.)

• Firearm Trafficking is defined as: 5 or more of the same illegal/unlicensed weapon and/or 1000 or more illegal rounds of ammo.

8.5 Impound Releases

8.5.1 Vehicle Release Process

• Vehicles may be released from impound after their hold is up. 

• A $1,00 charge is required to release the vehicle from impound