When an agency finds a vehicle abandoned, when should an entry be made into the TCIC stored/abandoned vehicle file?

An entry should be made into the TCIC stored/abandoned vehicle file when the owner cannot be located because this is a critical step in processing abandoned vehicles. When an agency identifies a vehicle that appears to be abandoned, it is essential to determine the ownership status, and if the owner cannot be found, it signals that further action is needed to manage the vehicle properly.

Creating an entry at this point helps maintain accurate records and assists in any subsequent steps that need to be taken, such as notifying the owner (if located later) or proceeding with the vehicle’s disposal if it remains unclaimed. The ability to track vehicles that are unclaimed or abandoned is vital for agency operations and community safety, ensuring that such vehicles do not become a nuisance or hazard.

In contrast, other scenarios like the vehicle being reported stolen, licensed, or under investigation do not directly prompt an entry into the abandoned vehicle file. Reporting a vehicle as stolen would typically involve different procedures, while licensed vehicles belong to owners who can potentially be contacted. Vehicles under investigation may require specific record-keeping related to the investigation but do not necessarily fit the criteria for abandonment in the context of this question.