Los Angeles, August 12, 2013 – The Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) received declaratory and injunctive relief this morning from Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Terry Green regarding LAPD’s controversial Special Order 7, which removed the discretion vested in Police Officers by the state Vehicle Code to impound vehicles driven by persons on revoked or suspended licenses, or who had never been issued a license.
In April 2012, the LAPPL filed a lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles and the Chief of Police, seeking a judicial determination as to whether Special Order No. 7 issued by the Office of the Chief of Police respecting Vehicle Impound Procedures is preempted by state law and would subject League-represented officers to professional and legal conflict, as well as civil liabilities, resulting from implementation of the Special Order. Judge Green concluded that Special Order No. 7 was preempted by the Vehicle Code and would frustrate the state legislative objective of uniform impoundment regulations.
“We are pleased with the ruling today,” said Tyler Izen, President of the Los Angeles Police Protective League. “LAPD officers were caught in the middle of a legal controversy over whether they must impound vehicles driven by unlicensed drivers as required by the State Vehicle Code or follow LAPD Special Order No. 7 that preempted uniform enforcement of the statewide impound regulations. The decision to litigate was not taken lightly, and it was not a position on immigration policy or the status of undocumented immigrants in this country. The LAPPL felt strongly that it was unreasonable and unacceptable to place our membership in this position, and that public safety suffered because of this Special Order. We hope today’s ruling will settle this controversy.”
Contact: Paul Haney (626) 755-4759 or Eric Rose (805) 624-0572.
About the LAPPL Formed in 1923, the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) represents the more than 9,900 dedicated and professional sworn members of the Los Angeles Police Department. The LAPPL serves to advance the interests of LAPD officers through legislative and legal advocacy, political action and education. The LAPPL can be found on the Web at www.LAPD.com
