What areas can police inventory when a vehicle is in their custody?

When a vehicle is in police custody, officers are authorized to conduct an inventory search of the vehicle to account for property it contains and to protect the owner’s property while the vehicle is impounded. This includes looking into areas such as the trunk and locked glove compartments, as these areas may contain valuable items and are considered part of the vehicle.

The legality of inventory searches is grounded in the need to prevent loss or damage to the vehicle’s contents and to protect the police from claims of stolen property. The inventory process is generally standardized, as outlined in agency policies. It ensures that officers document all personal items found within a vehicle, including those in closed compartments, which can prevent disputes later regarding seized items.

Consequently, the inclusion of the vehicle’s trunk and locked glove compartments is pivotal, as these areas are integral to a thorough and comprehensive inventory and are not exempt from search when the vehicle is lawfully impounded.