Podcast
Questions and Answers
When can a vehicle be impounded due to its location?
When can a vehicle be impounded due to its location?
- When the vehicle is believed to be stolen. (correct)
- When the owner is arrested and the vehicle is related to the arrest.
- When it obstructs vehicular or pedestrian traffic. (correct)
- When it's left unattended for more than 48 hours on public property. (correct)
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?
- When the owner requests or consents to the impoundment.
- When the vehicle is a potential hazard due to its location or condition. (correct)
- When the vehicle is left unattended on a public street for over 48 hours.
- When the vehicle is parked on private property and causing a nuisance.
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?
- Informing the property owner that they should handle the removal. (correct)
- Calling a wrecker and authorizing them to remove the vehicle.
- Arranging for a wrecker to remove the vehicle on the owner's behalf.
- Contacting the owner of the vehicle to ask them to remove it.
Which of the following is NOT a justification for impounding a vehicle?
Which of the following is NOT a justification for impounding a vehicle?
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?
What is the primary purpose of conducting a motor vehicle inventory?
What is the primary purpose of conducting a motor vehicle inventory?
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?
Under what circumstances are deputies authorized to impound a motor vehicle?
Under what circumstances are deputies authorized to impound a motor vehicle?
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?
What does the term 'impoundment' refer to in the policy?
What does the term 'impoundment' refer to in the policy?
Flashcards
Vehicle impoundment: public property
Vehicle impoundment: public property
A vehicle left on public property for over 48 hours and tagged in accordance with regulations.
Vehicle impoundment: construction/utility
Vehicle impoundment: construction/utility
A vehicle impounded when its removal is necessary for construction, cleaning, or public utility work.
Vehicle impoundment: public safety hazard
Vehicle impoundment: public safety hazard
A vehicle endangering public safety due to its location, condition, or obstruction of a public way.
Vehicle impoundment: arrest related
Vehicle impoundment: arrest related
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Vehicle impoundment: probable cause
Vehicle impoundment: probable cause
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Impoundment
Impoundment
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Inventory
Inventory
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Why is a vehicle impounded?
Why is a vehicle impounded?
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What are the rules for impoundment?
What are the rules for impoundment?
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Where is the vehicle inventoried?
Where is the vehicle inventoried?
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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.
- 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.
- 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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