LAPD Responds To Court’s Order On Special Order #7 NR13440an

Los Angeles: LAPD issues directive to Department employees to discontinue impound procedures established by Special Order #7.

On Friday, September 27, 2013, around 8:00 p.m., Chief Charlie Beck issued a Notice to all of his personnel to immediately stop following the impound procedures delineated in Special Order #7 established on April 10, 2012.

The direction of the Chief of Police was issued with the advise of the City Attorney’s Office. The directive complies with the order issued by the Los Angeles County Superior Court.  The Los Angeles Police Department will discontinue to utilize the procedures in Special Order #7 when impound scenarios occur.

Officers will continue to exercise sound judgment and shall continue to consider the totality of the circumstances when determining whether an impound/removal of a vehicle is appropriate. In all cases officers shall always take into account and consider the "Community Caretaking Doctrine" to ensure compliance with the 4th Amendment.

Before implementing Special Order 7 the Department sought and then followed the advice of both the City Attorney of Los Angeles and the Attorney General of the State of California.  The policy was vetted through the Police Commission and reviewed by both the Mayor and City Council.  "I am disappointed in this court’s decision and believe it inappropriately undermines the Police Departments’ authority to lawfully direct the conduct of its Officers," stated Chief Charlie Beck.  "I look forward to the next phase of the judicial process," Beck concluded.

As law enforcement professionals, the Los Angeles Police Department will continue to serve our communities with the highest level of service and professionalism. Department policies and procedures are established to guide our officers in this endeavor and this directive has been issued with that effort in mind.

Any questions regarding this directive may be referred to the LAPD Media Relations Section at 213-486-5910.