Notwithstanding the above, the Chief of Police or designee may enter into an agreement with one or more wrecker services, outside the normal rotation list, in accordance with Purchasing Procedures for the investigation of criminal activity, for limited purpose of seizing vehicles which may contain drugs, weapons, or evidence which if towed by a rotation wrecker performing services under the term of this article would in the opinion of the Chief of Police or designee compromise the investigation.
The wrecker service who the Chief of Police contracts with will meet all of the requirements of this article and all rules and regulations adopted by the city regarding wreckers and must in addition have a separate secured storage area, which is in addition to the storage area required by § 7-7-8(A) capable of holding a minimum of 75 non-consensual seized vehicles. This storage area must be fenced, to a minimum of eight feet in height around the entire perimeter of the storage area, with adequate lighting and a screened heavy gauge wire, metal, concert block or wooden fence which prevents viewing of the vehicles from outside of the storage area and which is kept locked at all times. The location of this storage area may not be disclosed to the public, and no vehicle shall be identified or released to any person without expressed written consent by the Chief of Police or designee. All files on procurement will be maintained for no less than 7 years and all sensitive information shall be redacted prior to release of these files to the public. The wrecker service shall also agree to provide security 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. The wrecker service shall also agree to allow access and entry by law enforcement officers or their agents 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. All persons employed by a wrecker service to tow seized vehicles shall receive a minimum of two hours training from the Albuquerque Police Department prior to towing any vehicle and shall be retrained as required by the Chief of Police.
The Mayor or the Chief of Police may terminate the agreement if the Mayor or Chief of Police determines that the wrecker has failed to meet the requirements of this article or agreement.
(Ord. 14-2000)