7-708 - Procedures for Processing Vehicles Held for Evidentiary Purposes

Policy

1. Only vehicles impounded and held for forensic examination shall be towed directly to the Forensic Garage. Other vehicles placed on a "Hold" shall be towed directly to the City Impound Lot.
2. A supervisor must authorize impounds for forensic examination.
3. Procedures and timelines

1. The respective division or unit will be responsible for promptly ordering the examination by the Forensic Garage staff or for release of the vehicle.
2. The completion of the examination should not exceed eight days following notification to the Forensic Garage by the respective division or unit. 

1. If circumstances exist that would prevent completion of processing in eight days, the City Impound Lot towing coordinator shall be notified by the investigator assigned to the case and arrange to have the "Hold" period extended.

2. If this is not done, the vehicle will automatically be towed from the Forensic Garage to the City Impound Lot in eight days.

3. Forensic Garage personnel will notify the Auto Desk immediately upon completion of their examination.
4. The Forensic Garage is responsible for notifying the supervisor or investigator of the respective division or unit that the examination has been completed.
5. All vehicle "holds" will automatically expire 15 business days after the date a vehicle was towed to the City Impound Lot.

1. Investigative divisions or units may extend that period, if necessary, for further investigation or for seizure.
2. To extend that period, the investigator handling the case must send or fax the Auto Desk a completed investigator’s Vehicle Hold form (MP-8897) and the exact amount of extended "hold" time required. The Vehicle Hold form can be found on the MPD Net under “MPD Forms.” 

Definitions

Refer to the Commonly Used Terms page for general definitions.