Vehicle Towing and Citizen Angst

Conclusions 4

• CL1
  The Santa Maria Police Department has a detailed policy and procedure for vehicle towing.
• CL2
  The Santa Maria Police Department processes each towing citation according to the Department’s vehicle towing policy and procedure.
• CL3
  The Santa Maria Police Department gives citizens consideration allowable within the Department’s vehicle towing policy and procedure.
• CL4
  Towing is necessary to keep the streets and roadways safe for both drivers and pedestrians by removing obstacles for safety of the roadways. Based on the Santa Maria Police Department’s fair and consistent enforcement of vehicle towing policies and procedures framed around the California Vehicle Code, the 2011-12 Santa Barbara County Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Maria Police Department be commended for its professional efforts in protecting the driving and pedestrian public. FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Finding 1 The Santa Maria Police Department has a detailed policy and procedure for vehicle towing. Finding 2 The Santa Maria Police Department processes each towing citation according to the Department’s vehicle towing policy and procedure. Finding 3 The Santa Maria Police Department gives citizens consideration allowable within the Department’s vehicle towing policy and procedure. Recommendation 1 That the Santa Maria City Council commend the Santa Maria Police Department’s vehicle 2011-12 Santa Barbara County Grand Jury 3 VEHICLE TOWING AND CITIZEN ANGST towing enforcement personnel for their service to the citizens of Santa Maria. REQUEST FOR RESPONSE In accordance with California Penal Code Section 933.05, each agency and government body affected by or named in this report is requested to respond in writing to the findings and recommendations in a timely manner. The following are the affected agencies for this report, with the mandated response period for each. Santa Maria City Council – 90 days Finding 1, 2, 3 Recommendation 1 4 2011-12 Santa Barbara County Grand Jury

Observations 6

• OB1
  Review, know, and obey traffic rules
• OB2
  Never drive without your license, auto registration, and auto insurance card
• OB3
  Observe all traffic signs, especially those for restricted and no-parking areas
• OB4
  Respond promptly to all SMPD phone calls and mail notifications
• OB5
  Review the citation notification with SMPD Records department to understand the requirements for clearing the violations. The department knows the steps, locations, personnel, etc. required to clear the citation for vehicle release
• OB6
  Promptly clear each violation and pay all fees. Unresolved items stay on your record and fee penalties may apply. After a number of violations arrest may occur

Agency Responses 1

Government agencies' official responses to this report's findings and recommendations. Click on a response to see the structured breakdown.