LAPD Ends Temporary Moratorium on Vehicle Impounds

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton today announced to members of the Los Angeles Police Commission his intent to end a temporary moratorium on vehicle impounds. 

On August 21, 2007, the Department announced a temporary moratorium of certain vehicle impounds while awaiting a clarification from the Office of the City Attorney.  The issue was the Department's current policy on vehicle impounds, the 30-day hold, and whether or not the policy constitutes an unreasonable seizure, defined under the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments of the United States Constitution.

Last week the Office of the City Attorney forwarded its opinion as to the constitutionality of vehicle impounds under the provisions of the Fourth Amendment.  After a careful review and in consideration of the Office of the City Attorney's opinion, the Department has made minor modifications to the current policy governing the impoundment of vehicles.

Department employees will continue to enforce the provisions set forth in the California Vehicle Code, and when warranted, impound the vehicles of those drivers who are unlicensed or have a suspended or revoked license.  However, as with any situation, officers will apply  "reasonableness" with respect to the impoundment of a vehicle.  Once a vehicle is impounded and where legally mandated, the 30-day hold will remain in effect.  Discontinuation of the moratorium goes into effect September 12, 2007.   

Public safety and the efficient movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic have been and will remain critical priorities of the Department.   

For additional information, please contact Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586.

Comments

[Patrol Copper]

Good. Now I can go get some more guns and dope off the street. Every good copper knows that criminals either have suspended licenses or no licenses at all. They're impulsive and can't keep their affairs in order. That's why they're criminals.

[la resident]

Its about time, unlicensed drivers caused 46% of all hit and run accidents in Los Angeles... Now thats a lot!!! Let's give the LAPD some more tools to help fight crime and get some untrained drivers off of the street.

[Anthony]

So what does the memo state? Are we still conducting impounded and 30 day hold for a driver with no cal op?..i havent been into work to read the memo?