What must police adhere to when conducting a vehicle inventory?

When conducting a vehicle inventory, police must adhere to the agency's written inventory policy. This policy assures that the inventory process is consistent, lawful, and protects the rights of the owner as well as the property being inventoried. A written policy outlines the specific procedures that officers must follow, which can help prevent potential legal challenges regarding the search and seizure of items within the vehicle.

Following a written policy also ensures that officers maintain accountability and transparency in their actions. It helps to mitigate risks associated with claims of improper handling or loss of property and provides a clear framework that guides officers through the inventory process. The importance of having these policies in place is emphasized by judicial standards, which often require that police have articulated reasons for searches or inventories to ensure they are conducted in a reasonable manner.

In contrast, relying on a verbal agreement with the owner, vague guidelines from state law, or ad hoc instructions from supervising officers could lead to inconsistencies and potential legal issues, as these may not cover all scenarios or may lack the thoroughness and specificity required for an official inventory procedure.