Police Department officers and employees are authorized to unlock vehicles upon request within the City Limits, subject to the following provisions:
(a) The Police Department shall unlock a vehicle the first time free of charge. A $25.00 fee shall be charged by the City the second time that a vehicle is unlocked by the Police Department. A $50.00 fee shall be charged by the City the third and subsequent times that a vehicle is unlocked by the Police Department. An invoice for fees charged under this section shall be issued to the person requesting the unlocking service.
(b) If the fees listed under subsection (a) above are not paid within thirty (30) days after the date the unlocking service is provided, a $25.00 late payment fee shall be assessed.
(c) Any payment made on fees listed in this section shall first be applied to any outstanding late payment fees and then to the original fee itself.
(d) Notwithstanding subsection (a) above, fees shall not be charged for unlocking services provided for any of the following emergency situations:
(1) The vehicle’s engine is running.
(2) Children or animals are locked inside of the vehicle.
(3) A locksmith is unavailable to respond within one (1) hour.
(4) Any other emergency situation deemed necessary by the shift supervisor.
(e) Prior to any unlocking service being provided by the Police Department, the person requesting the service shall be required to sign a waiver, releasing the City from any claims and liability related to damages caused to the vehicle by the unlocking service.
(Ord. No. O-15-03-17-2, § 2, 3-17-15)