HCSD — Standard Operating Procedures

507.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE

This policy provides procedures for the marking, recording, and storage of vehicles parked in violation of the Hartwell County Sheriff’s Department County Ordinance regulating 72-hour parking violations and abandoned vehicles under the authority of Vehicle Code § 22669.

507.2 MARKING VEHICLES

Vehicles suspected of being in violation of the Hartwell County 72-Hour Parking Ordinance shall be marked and noted on the Hartwell County Sheriff’s Department Marked Vehicle Card. No case number is required at this time.

A visible chalk mark should be placed on the left rear tire tread at the fender level unless missing tires or other vehicle conditions prevent marking. Any deviation in markings shall be noted on the Marked Vehicle Card. The investigating employee should make a good faith effort to notify the owner of any vehicle subject to towing prior to having the vehicle removed. This may be accomplished by personal contact, telephone or by leaving notice attached to the vehicle at least 24 hours prior to removal.

All Marked Vehicle Cards shall be submitted to the Traffic Bureau for computer data entry. If a marked vehicle has been moved or the markings have been removed during a 72-hour investigation period, the vehicle shall be marked again for the 72-hour parking violation and a Marked Vehicle Card completed and forwarded to the Traffic Bureau.

Parking citations for the 72-hour parking ordinance shall not be issued when the vehicle is stored for the 72-hour parking violation.

507.2.1 MARKED VEHICLE FILE

The Traffic Bureau shall be responsible for maintaining a file for all Marked Vehicle Cards. Parking control officers assigned to the Traffic Bureau shall be responsible for the follow up investigation of all 72-hour parking violations noted on the Marked Vehicle Cards.

507.2.2 VEHICLE STORAGE

Any vehicle in violation shall be stored by the authorized towing service and a vehicle storage report shall be completed by the deputy authorizing the storage of the vehicle.

The storage report form shall be submitted to the Records Division immediately following the storage of the vehicle. It shall be the responsibility of the Records Division to immediately notify the Stolen Vehicle System (SVS) of the Department of Justice in Sacramento (Vehicle Code § 22851.3(b)). Notification may also be made to the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS)(Vehicle Code § 22854.5).

Within 48 hours of the storage of any such vehicle, excluding weekends and holidays, it shall be the responsibility of the Records Division to determine the names and addresses of any individuals having an interest in the vehicle through DMV or CLETS computers. Notice to all such individuals shall be sent first-class or certified mail pursuant to Vehicle Code § 22851.3(d).