What should an officer do before they impound a vehicle?

• A. An inventory
• B. A tow check
• C. Document the odometer
• D. Notify owner

Answer: (A)

An inventory of the vehicle’s contents is the step done before impounding to create a documented record of everything inside at the time the vehicle is taken. This protects the owner’s property and shields the department from liability by showing precisely what items were in the vehicle, helps ensure valuables aren’t lost, and can flag any dangerous items or contraband. While other actions like checking for special tow holds or recording the odometer can occur as part of the broader process, the inventory is the essential pre-impound action because it establishes a clear, accountable inventory of belongings before the vehicle is stored or released.