What is the primary purpose of an inventory search?

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An inventory search is a routine procedure used when a vehicle is impounded to create a written record of everything inside. Its main purpose is to protect both the owner’s property and the agency from claims of loss, theft, or damage while the vehicle is in custody, and to help ensure valuables can be returned to the owner. It’s not about finding contraband or evidence, and it isn’t aimed at locating the owner. It also isn’t a random scan; it follows department policy to account for items in the vehicle during tow or storage.