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Newport News Police Department
b. The type of tow service required (i.e., thirty-day impoundment, three-day impoundment,
abandoned vehicle, arrest, owner’s request, confiscated, disabled vehicle, traffic accident, parking
violation, stolen or for evidence/investigation).
c. Any special circumstances that might impact the tow (e.g., flat tires, motorcycle, etc.).
d. The vehicle’s manufacturer’s gross vehicle rating (MGVWR), if the vehicle is a larger vehicle (in
such cases, the towing officer will advise Communications of the possible need for a heavy-duty
district or contract wrecker).
5. Verify the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) by physically inspecting the VIN plate.
NOTE: Computer-supplied registration information will not be used in place of physical inspection.
6. Conduct a stolen vehicle check (NCIC/VCIN), when appropriate, using both the VIN and the license
plate, noting on the Tow Sheet the time, date, and results of the stolen check.
7. Vehicle Inventory
a. If a vehicle is being impounded, conduct a complete and thorough inventory of the vehicle. Absent
exigent circumstances, locked areas/luggage or containers should not be damaged to gain entry.
Include a list describing the items inventoried in the “NARRATIVE – INVENTORY OF
PROPERTIES” section of the Tow Sheet
b. For vehicles impounded for evidence processing, do not enter the vehicle, inventory only the
items visible from the outside.
c. An inventory should not be completed for an “Owner’s Request” tow, if assisting a motorist whose
vehicle is disabled and a specific wrecker by name is requested by that person.
d. If a City District Wrecker is used, for disabled motorist, conduct and document only a visual
inventory of items visible from outside the vehicle. Advise the owner to remove valuable items
and document that the owner was advised to remove valuable items. [1.2.4; 61.2.2(f)]
NOTE: Firearms, cash, or items of extreme value shall be removed from the vehicle and placed in
Property and Evidence accompanied by a “P & E Control Sheet” (NNPD Form #8).
8. Remain with the vehicle until removed.
9. When an electric vehicle needs to be impounded for investigative purposes and has been involved in
a crash and the fire department has determined the battery has been or has possibly been
compromised, the vehicle will be towed by a CITY CONTRACTED WRECKER to 2401 G Avenue and
placed inside the fenced in 3-sided concrete area behind the building. The Tow Sheet and keys will
be placed in the lock box mounted on the outside of the door at 2401 G Avenue.
C. Abandoned Vehicles (§46.2-1200 of the Code of Virginia) [61.4.3(a); 82.2.1(a,b,d)]
1. Police aides and environmental officers conduct follow-up investigations and authorize the removal
of abandoned vehicles.
2. When an officer encounters a suspected abandoned vehicle the Abandoned/Unattended Vehicle
Form (NNPD Form #06) shall be completed (circling “Abandoned” on the form’s top) and forwarded
to a police aide or environmental officer (in that district) for follow-up.
3. When abandoned information is taken over the phone, an Abandoned/Unattended Vehicle Form
(NNPD Form #06) is still completed and forwarded to a police aide in that district for follow-up.
4. The responsible police aide or environmental officer conducting a follow-up investigation shall:
a. Attempt to locate and notify the registered owner.
b. Follow the Service Member Civil Relief Act (specifically 50 USC§3958), which supersedes state
law in conflicting sections. 50 USC § 3958 provides that any vehicle belonging to a person in the
military that is towed may not be disposed of during the period of the owner's military service
and for 90 days after discharge from the military service unless the person or entity desiring to
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