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Newport News Police Department
F. Vehicle Tows Resulting from Criminal Investigations
1. The investigating officer/detective will have the vehicle towed to the vehicle lot or the Forensics
Services bay by the city contract wrecker. The investigating officer/detective shall be responsible for:
a. Assisting the wrecker driver, ensuring that all windows are closed, and that the vehicle is
properly parked, locked, and secured.
b. Ensuring that all loose personal items of value are secured in the trunk, when possible.
c. Ensuring that items of value or items that present a safety hazard are tagged and placed into
Property and Evidence (P&E) and notated on the Tow Sheet (e.g., large amounts of cash, weapons,
electronic equipment, jewelry). [84.1.1(e)]
d. Ensuring that only the vehicle keys (i.e., ignition, door, trunk, and keyless remote) and a legible
copy of the Tow Sheet are forwarded to the Towing Enforcement Unit
2. Towing a vehicle to the vehicle lot or the forensic services bay for processing.
a. Vehicles used in serious crimes and certain other investigations may be towed to the vehicle lot
or the forensic services bay for evidence processing. Recovered stolen vehicles shall not be
routinely taken to either listed location for processing unless directed by a supervisor, Crash
Team member, or the detective responsible for the investigation.
b. The towing officer shall advise Communications the vehicle is to be towed to the vehicle lot, or
the Forensic Services bay by the city contracted wrecker.
c. Ensure that the vehicle is followed to the designated location.
d. Access Procedures
1) Officers needing to tow or impound a vehicle to the vehicle lot after hours are to contact
Communications to request the on-call Crash Team member respond to allow lot access.
2) If a Major Crimes Division investigation involves the vehicle, and it needs to be processed by
the Forensic Services Unit, or if access is needed to the Forensic Services bay, the officer shall
contact Communications and request the on-call Forensics Services Unit member respond to
allow bay access. [83.2.1(b); 84.1.2]
e. When Forensic Services personnel finish processing the vehicle, and it is ready for removal from
the forensic services bay, the processing Forensic Services technician will contact the case’s lead
investigator. The lead investigator will notify Communications to call the city contracted wrecker
to move the vehicle from its processing location to the vehicle lot for release and/or return to the
owner or other authorized person as provided by law.
f. The vehicle lot is secured with an electronic card access panel. The following Department
personnel shall have access to the vehicle lot:
1) Forensic Services personnel
2) P&E Sergeant
3) Towing Enforcement Officer
4) Special Operations commander and/or lieutenant
5) Crash Team
6) Traffic Response Unit Sergeant
7) Investigations Assistant Chief
8) Major Crimes Division Commander and/or Lieutenant
9) Towing Enforcement Administrator
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