97-03 10751 C.V.C. PROCEDURES

Unit Order:  97-03

Subject:       10751 C.V.C. PROCEDURES

PURPOSE

It is TRAP’s intent to make every reasonable effort to identify vehicle(s) and/or their component part(s) and return these items to their lawful, legal owner.  This Unit Order offers guidance in the proper disposition of vehicle(s) and/or component part(s) in the event the rightful owner(s) cannot be identified. 

GUIDELINES

In cases where the identification of vehicle(s) and/or component part(s) is not possible, investigators will discuss the recommended disposition of the vehicle/component part(s) with their team supervisor.  It is the team supervisor’s responsibility to contact the area lieutenant who will make the final determination on the disposition of any vehicle/component part(s).  This will be done prior to requesting or scheduling a 10751 C.V.C. hearing.

Each Team Supervisor shall select a minimum of two (2) investigators who will be trained in conducting 10751 C.V.C. hearings.  All cases involving 10751 C.V.C. vehicles auctioned or assigned to TRAP shall have a designated investigator who oversees the preparation, processing and court proceedings.  There are no exceptions.

After determining that 10751 C.V.C. procedures will be implemented, the case investigator will prepare a court order for presentation to the court.  This form will be approved by the respective area lieutenant.  After the hearing, if the vehicle has been awarded to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for use by TRAP, the team supervisor will insure that any and all papers needed for the disposition of the vehicle are completed.

The original court order and any other papers pertaining to the vehicle/property will be forwarded to TRAP’s operations sergeant.  The operations sergeant will review the papers and ensure all necessary forms are completed.  If the vehicle is included in TRAP’s fleet, the operations sergeant will coordinate with the Law Enforcement

Technician (L.E.T.) to process the vehicle through Communications and Fleet Management Bureau.

If determined the vehicle and/or component part(s) are to be auctioned, the operations sergeant will coordinate the sale of the property through Communications and Fleet Management Bureau.  The proceeds from the sale of this property will be posted in TRAP’s special account.

Vehicle(s) and/or property to be crushed will be taken to an approved scrap metal dealer for disposal.  Consideration should be given to photographing vehicles as they’re crushed.  Investigators should obtain a “weight certificate” and have the scrap metal check made payable to the “Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department/TRAP.”  The photographs, weight certificate, and the check will be given to the operations sergeant along with the original court order and any other documents relating to the disposition of the property.

Property such as tools, camera equipment, etc., that may be used and retained by TRAP will be delivered to the operations sergeant along with the original court order and other related documents.  The operations sergeant will add this property to TRAP’s inventory and record the property in the inventory system.

These procedures shall be strictly followed to avoid unnecessary acquisition of substandard vehicles, component parts and property.

________________________________           

MARTIN L. RODRIGUEZ, CAPTAIN

PROJECT DIRECTOR