Gordon Graham here with Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Today’s Tip is for my law enforcement friends. Let’s talk about the importance of adhering to a sound vehicle inventory policy.
Ensuring all personnel consistently follow a standardized vehicle inventory policy helps protect the agency from civil liability. Equally important, it also helps maintain the integrity of any property or evidence that may be discovered during the process.
When personnel impound a vehicle, good policy guides them through a systematic process of cataloging the vehicle’s contents. This isn’t just about logging what’s inside. It’s also about safeguarding property, protecting against accusations of theft or damage, and protecting officers and others from potential danger.
Judges and juries scrutinize our collection methods carefully. There are plenty of cases where a sound vehicle inventory policy, followed meticulously, led to the admissibility of important evidence — including firearms and contraband. On the other hand, failure to follow agency policies – or not having a constitutional policy in place – can result in crucial evidence being challenged and suppressed.
Here are some important things to remember.
First, your agency needs a sound vehicle inventory policy. The Supreme Court has ruled that inventories must be conducted in accordance with a standard policy. This policy must, at a minimum, define the scope of the inventory.
Second, hold regular training sessions to ensure all personnel are familiar with the policy and any subsequent changes. Keep good records regarding who was trained and when.
Finally, thoroughly document each step of any vehicle inventory to provide clear and defensible records should the process be called into question. Apply the policy consistently across all situations to avoid any appearance of selective enforcement or impropriety.
Maintaining a rigorous and consistently applied vehicle inventory policy isn’t just about following rules. It’s about ensuring the integrity of our law enforcement efforts.
And that’s Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Until next time, Gordon Graham signing off.
