LAPD Rescinds Controversial Impound Policy

Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck has reversed his controversial vehicle impound policy following a judge's ruling validating the legal challenge brought by LAPD patrol officers.

Special Order 7, which was approved by the Police Commission in February of 2012, made it easier for illegal immigrants to get their vehicles back. The order instructed the city to release the vehicles before the state-mandated 30-day hold.

Chief Beck eventually relented following the Sept. 23 ruling by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Terry Green siding with the legal challenge brought by the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL). Judge Green also denied a request by the American Civil Liberties Union seeking to delay his ruling during the appeal process.

Chief Beck quietly rescinded his policy on Friday, reports the Los Angeles Times .

Following the implementation of the policy, LAPD officers were caught between Special Order 7 and state law, a quandary resolved by Judge Green's ruling, said Tyler Izen, LAPPL president.

"LAPD officers were caught in the middle of a legal controversy over whether they were vested with the authority to impound vehicles driven by unlicensed drivers as required by the State Vehicle Code, or follow LAPD Special Order No. 7 that was preempted by uniform enforcement of the statewide impound regulations," Izen said in a statement.