Office of Citizen Complaints

Policy Recommendations

Reference: 98-602/DGO 9.06 III. C.

Subject: Vehicle Tows/Stranded Motorist

Recommendation:
The Office of Citizen Complaints recommends that the San Francisco Police Department amend DGO 9.06. The amendment shall require officers ordering a vehicle tow to remain at the scene for a total of 30 minutes to wait for tow and to allow driver to arrange alternative transportation. If driver cannot secure alternative transportation, officers shall, at driver's request, transport driver to a safe location, convenient to communication and transportation facilities. Existing policy permits officers to wait 20 minutes for the tow; a requirement that officers remain an additional 10 minutes are reasonable provisions for driver safety.

Background:
Officers seized the truck of complainant, a resident of Redwood City, at 2:30 am on or near the Golden Gate Bridge. Officers left the scene although complainant stated he had no alternative transportation or money. Complainant walked in terror for several miles along desolate streets to the Townsend Street Caltrain station.

Prepared by: RIVER GINCHILD ABEJE, Policy and Outreach Specialist
Approved by: MARY C. DUNLAP, Director
Date: December 1, 1998

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