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Questions and Answers
When can a vehicle be impounded due to its location?
When can a vehicle be impounded due to its location?
Under which circumstance can a vehicle be impounded when its safety is imperiled?
Under which circumstance can a vehicle be impounded when its safety is imperiled?
What is the role of a deputy in cases where a vehicle needs to be removed from private property, but not impounded?
What is the role of a deputy in cases where a vehicle needs to be removed from private property, but not impounded?
Which of the following is NOT a justification for impounding a vehicle?
Which of the following is NOT a justification for impounding a vehicle?
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In which scenario would a warrant ideally be utilized before impounding a vehicle?
In which scenario would a warrant ideally be utilized before impounding a vehicle?
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What is the primary purpose of conducting a motor vehicle inventory?
What is the primary purpose of conducting a motor vehicle inventory?
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Which of the following is NOT a valid reason for impounding a vehicle according to the policy?
Which of the following is NOT a valid reason for impounding a vehicle according to the policy?
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Under what circumstances are deputies authorized to impound a motor vehicle?
Under what circumstances are deputies authorized to impound a motor vehicle?
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What should happen to the inventory of a vehicle according to the policy?
What should happen to the inventory of a vehicle according to the policy?
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What does the term 'impoundment' refer to in the policy?
What does the term 'impoundment' refer to in the policy?
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Study Notes
Bexar County Sheriff's Office Policy Manual - Impoundment and Inventory
- Original Date: December 1, 2003
- Effective Date: January 28, 2019
- Supersedes: April 30, 2014
- Policy Purpose: To guide deputies on when and how to tow, inventory, impound, and release motor vehicles.
- Policy Reasons: Preserving evidence, addressing parking violations, and safeguarding property.
- Inventory Purpose: Protect vehicles and contents in Sheriff's custody, and protect the agency from claims of lost, stolen, or damaged property.
- Impoundment Definition: Taking motor vehicles or other property into Sheriff's Office custody.
- Inventory Definition: Detailed list of all contents/personal property.
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Impoundment Conditions (Authorized):
- Left unattended for more than 48 continuous hours in public areas.
- Removal necessary for construction or utility work (24-hour notice).
- Obstruction or hazard to traffic.
- Potential hazard to people or property due to location or condition (no reasonable alternative).
- Owner/driver arrest with connection to vehicle (no reasonable alternative).
- Court order to seize the vehicle.
- Probable cause of theft.
- Probable cause vehicle contains evidence of a crime(warrant unless exception).
- Owner requests impoundment.
- Forfeiture under the law.
- Additional Impoundment Considerations (Private Property): Deputies should inform property owners that vehicle removal is a private matter between them and the vehicle owner. Deputies should not authorize a wrecker to take property.
- Other Impoundment Purposes: Protect owner's property, Sheriff's employees from claims of lost/stolen property, and persons from potential danger.
- Inventory Timing: Should occur at scene or impound lot; should be completed without unnecessary delay.
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Vehicle Inventory:
- Documents exterior and interior damage.
- Details interior contents (including valuable items).
- Trunk/glove compartments are inventoried if unlocked or accessible.
- Inventory Precautions: Protect valuable property (rolling up windows, locking doors, securing items, etc.)
- Vehicle Inventory Considerations: The inventory is not a search for evidence. Seized evidence requires an appropriate offense report.
- Property Release: Impounded items released to owner/authorized person when no longer needed.
- Forfeitable Vehicles: Vehicles may be seized if used in connection with felony drug offenses.
Additional Policies (from Subsequent Pages)
- Abandoned Vehicle Tagging: Deputies will tag abandoned vehicles with a case number. Vehicles are towed after 48 hours.
- Reasonable Alternatives: Deputies may consider alternatives to impoundment when arrest occurs, such as the owner having a responsible party to care for the vehicle. This also considers intoxicated or incapacitated persons.
- Holding Periods: Initial holds are limited to 72 hours; extensions require investigator documentation.
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Description
This quiz covers the Bexar County Sheriff's Office Policy Manual regarding the impoundment and inventory of vehicles. It highlights the conditions under which vehicles may be towed, inventoried, and released, as well as the purposes for these actions. Test your knowledge on this important aspect of law enforcement policy.
