What is the legal definition of inventory search?

Answer 1

I am no lawyer, nor is this intended as legal advice. An inventory search is sometimes performed when a car is impounded with the stated purpose of having a record of items in the car so that an individual cannot say that something was stolen etc. The truth is that this is often used when a driver refuses consent to search a vehicle and the officer cannot clearly articulate probable cause to search nor is there a K9 unit nearby. The fficer can then elect to take the speeder or faulty equipment offender and book them in a station and have the vehicle impounded. This allows them to perform a warrantless search, and the fruits of the search still be admissible as evidence in any criminal proceeding.