7-709 - Release of Vehicle Procedure

Policy

1. When a driver is arrested, and the vehicle is released (with the permission of the owner or responsible occupant) at the scene to a responsible party, the officer shall include the responsible party’s information in their arrest report.
2. The holding or investigating division or unit will authorize the release of impounded vehicles. This will be done in writing by placing the name, address and the phone number of the party to whom the vehicle is to be released on the original Vehicle Impound Report (MP-6925).

• Responsible Occupant: A person in the vehicle, who after reasonable inquiry, appears to be in lawful possession of the vehicle.