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Manual of Policy and Procedures / Volume 5 - Line Procedures / Chapter 1 - Motor Vehicles

5-01/100.15 - Recovered/Released to Owner in the Field in "As Is" Condition


5-01/100.10 - Stolen/Recovered/Impounded Vehicle Report
5-01/100.20 - Stolen\Recovered\Released to Owner Report

When a stolen vehicle is recovered in the field, the Deputy may release it to the owner in an "as is" condition.  Prior to making a field release, the Deputy shall determine if the vehicle will be needed for further investigation, fingerprinting or other physical evidence.

The Deputy shall also query SVS for any "holds" before releasing the vehicle.

The following vehicles may be released to the owner in the field provided there are no "holds" in the SVS system, and the owner can respond to the Field Deputy's location within a reasonable period of time:

  • A previously reported stolen vehicle recovered by a Deputy within the Station/Unit area;
  • A previously reported stolen vehicle recovered by the owner within the area of the Station/Unit holding the stolen report;
  • A previously reported stolen vehicle recovered by the owner within a Sheriff's Station/Unit area, but reported stolen to another Sheriff's Station/Unit or police agency; or
  • A vehicle reported stolen and recovered simultaneously.

The Station/Unit Watch Deputy shall ascertain if it is possible for the owner to pick up the vehicle in the field within a reasonable period of time and inform him that he must have identification and proof of ownership to secure a "field release."  He shall also notify the Deputy in the field that the owner will pick up the vehicle and his approximate time of arrival.

A reasonable period of time is intended to provide the owner an opportunity to respond, without delay, to the location and take possession of his vehicle.  Waiting time varies due to geographic considerations.  The intent is to aid the citizen, but may cause the field units an occasional period of waiting.

When a field release will not be made, the Station/Unit Watch Deputy shall dispatch a tow truck and so advise the Field Deputy.

When a field release is made, the Field Deputy shall be responsible for the following:

  • Preparing an original and one copy of a CHP-180, Recovered Vehicle Report, and marking it plainly "Released to owner in as is condition;”
  • Assigning the URN used on the original stolen report;
  • Obtaining the signature of the owner in the release section of the CHP-180;
  • Giving the owner the carbon copy of the report;
  • Reporting the recovery data to the Station/Unit secretary as soon as possible; and
  • Notifying the Aero Bureau Watch Deputy immediately of the recovery, if the vehicle is "LoJack" equipped.

However, when an owner recovers his own stolen vehicle within a Sheriff's Station/Unit area and the original stolen report was made to another Sheriff's Station/Unit or police agency and there are no "holds" in the SVS system, the procedure shall be as follows:

  • The recovery report shall be given the same URN as the stolen report if it was a Sheriff's stolen.  If it is another agency's stolen, an URN shall be assigned;
  • Obtain the owner's signature in the release section;
  • Give the carbon copy of the report to the owner; and
  • Follow the appropriate SVS procedure regarding "locate" or "clear."

In either type of report, the FCN shall be indicated on the CHP-180 and will be distributed as follows:

  • Image into electronic archive SECDA;
    • Original CHP-180;
  • To TRAP - only if assigned to TRAP;
    • Copy of CHP-180;
  • To agency or Station/Unit (reporting stolen);
    • Copy of CHP-180;
  • To Unit;
    • Sufficient copies to meet Unit needs.