Document: 479 U.S. 367 107 S.Ct. 738 93 L.Ed.2d 739 COLORADO, Petitionerv.Steven Lee BERTINE. No. 85-889. Argued Nov. 10, 1986. Decided Jan. 14, 1987. Syllabus A Boulder, Colorado, police officer arrested respondent for driving his van while under the influence of alcohol. After was taken into custody and before a tow truck arrived to take an impoundment lot, another officer, acting in accordance with local procedures, inventoried van's contents, opening closed backpack which he found various containers holding controlled substances, cocaine paraphernalia, large amount cash. Prior trial on charges including drug offenses, state court granted respondent's motion suppress evidence during inventory search. Although determined that search did not violate rights Fourth Amendment Federal Constitution, it held violated Colorado Constitution. The Supreme Court affirmed, but premised its ruling Held: does prohibit State from proving criminal discovered van. This case is by principles governing searches automobiles arrestee's personal effects, as set forth South Dakota v. Opperman, 428 364, 96 3092, 49 1000, Illinois Lafayette, 462 640, 103 2605, 77 65, rather than those trunks suitcases conducted solely purpose investigating conduct. United States Chadwick, 433 1, 97 2476, 53 538, Arkansas Sanders, 442 753, 99 2586, 61 235, distinguished. policies behind warrant requirement, related concept probable cause, are implicated search, serves strong governmental interests protecting owner's property custody, insuring against claims lost, stolen, or vandalized property, guarding danger. There no showing here police, who were following standardized caretaking acted bad faith sole investigation. Police, inventorying container, required weigh strength individual's privacy interest container possibility might serve repository dangerous valuable items. merit contention unconstitutional because departmental regulations gave discretion choose between impounding parking locking public place. exercise prohibited so long exercised—as done here—according standard criteria basis something other suspicion activity. Pp. 371-376. 706 P.2d 411, reversed. REHNQUIST, C.J., delivered opinion Court, WHITE, BLACKMUN, POWELL, STEVENS, O'CONNOR, SCALIA, JJ., joined. J., filed concurring opinion, POWELL joined, post, p. 376. MARSHALL, dissenting BRENNAN, 377. John M. Haried, Colo., petitioner. Richard J. Lazarus, Washington, D.C., amicus curiae, support petitioner, special leave Court. Cary C. Lacklen, respondent. Chief Justice REHNQUIST 1 On February 1984, Steven Bertine arrival Bertine's lot,1 backup contents opened subsequently charged alcohol, unlawful possession intent dispense, sell, distribute, methaqualone. We asked decide whether prohibits these hold not. 2 require detailed inspection impounded vehicles. He directly frontseat Inside pack, observed nylon bag containing metal canisters. Opening canisters, they contained cocaine, methaqualone tablets, $700 In outside zippered pouch backpack, also $210 cash sealed envelope. completing van, had towed impound lot brought money, contraband station. 3 offenses described above, moved ground, inter alia, exceeded permissible scope such Amendment. ruled cause supported arrest officers made decisions vehicle conduct thorough good faith. noting performed "somewhat slipshod" manner, District concluded "the protection subsequent loss stolen instrumentalities." App. 81-83. procedures vehicles mandated "detailed involving listing [their] contents." Id., at 81. Based findings, 83. court, nevertheless, suppress, 4 State's interlocutory appeal, affirmed. 411 (1985). contrast however, recognized 1000 (1976), we be consistent Amendment, 65 (1983), effects arrestee station felt, our 235 (1979), 538 (1977), meant Opperman Lafayette govern this case.2 5 certiorari consider important recurring question federal law decided Court.3 475 1081, 106 1457, 89 715 (1986). As recognized, now well-defined exception requirement See supra, U.S., 643, S.Ct., 2608; 367-376, 3096-3100. 370, n. 5, 3097, nor cause: 6 "The peculiarly investigations, routine, noncriminal procedures. . probable-cause approach unhelpful when analysis centers upon reasonableness routine administrative functions, particularly claim protective subterfuge investigations." Ibid. 7 2482, 5. For reasons, Court's reliance incorrect. Both cases concerned conduct, validity therefore dependent application requirements 8 By contrast, may "reasonable" even though pursuant based cause. assessed glove compartment abandoned automobile police. protect insure guard light diminished expectation automobile, upheld reaching decision, accorded deference designed secure their within custody. Cooper California, 386 58, 61-62, 87 788, 790-791, 17 730 (1967); Harris States, 390 234, 236, 88 992, 993, 19 1067 (1968); Cady Dombrowski, 413 433, 447-448, 2523, 2530-2531, 37 (1973).4 9 more recent shoulder individual being deciding reasonable, served legitimate similar identified Opperman. outweighed 10 present case, there addition, justifying nearly same obtain here. each potentially responsible securing protected unauthorized interference. Knowledge precise nature helped theft, vandalism, negligence. Such knowledge avert any danger others have been posed property.5 11 opined controlling introducing weapons jail facility. Our suggest station-house setting critical case. common above searches. 12 expressed view unreasonable secure, lighted facility himself could offered opportunity make arrangements safekeeping property. But security storage completely eliminate need inventorying; still wish themselves owners false theft instrumentalities. And giving alternative would undoubtedly possible, said Lafayette: 13 "[T]he real what 'could achieved,' requires steps 14 particular activity necessarily invariably turn existence 'less intrusive' means." 647, 2610 (emphasis original). 15 447, 2530; Martinez-Fuerte, 543, 557, 12, 3074, 3082, 1116 (1976). conclude here, reasonable relating administered satisfy courts matter hindsight able devise equally rules requiring different procedure.6 16 thought necessary think contrary analogy decision Ross, 456 798, 102 2157, 72 572 (1982): "Even if less intrusive means existed some types expect everyday course business fine subtle distinctions items searched must unit." 648, 2610. 18 "When way, limits precisely defined, nice closets, drawers, containers, home, compartments, upholstered seats, trunks, wrapped packages, vehicle, give way prompt efficient completion task hand." 821, 2170. reaffirm here: " '[a] single familiar essential guide officers, only limited time expertise reflect balance social involved specific circumstances confront.' (quoting New York Belton, 453 454, 458, 101 2860, 2863, 69 768 (1981)). 20 finally argues rely argument conclusion, reject it. Nothing exercised according Here, afforded Boulder criteria, feasibility appropriateness it.7 chose order investigate suspected 21 While both distinguishable facts, enunciated one. judgment 22 Reversed. 23 whom O'CONNOR join, concurring. 24 today holds open conducting vehicle. I join write separately underscore importance having inventories underlying rationale allowing rule vested determine 382-383, 3103-3104, (1976) (POWELL, concurring). absence ensures will used purposeful general discovering crime. Thus, mandate every emphasizes, Police Department's contents. ante, 374, 6. 25 BRENNAN joins, dissenting. 26 Recognizing "both facts," 376, majority applies balancing test uphold car driver placed arrest. However, distinctive facts result. search—it cannot legitimately labeled inventory—was Unlike Furthermore, intrusion significantly weaker either considerably stronger. 27 * acknowledges, 6, 375-376, relied determining reasonable. Burger's repeatedly referred 369, 372, 3098, 3100. POWELL's stressed "no significant hands officer: usually has choice subject scope." 384, 3104 (footnote omitted). Similarly, emphasized procedure conducted. 646, 2609, 2610, see id., 649, 2611 (MARSHALL, judgment). assessing situations these, where do warrant, consistently procedures: "standardless unconstrained evil discerned previous insisted official field circumscribed, least extent." Delaware Prouse, 440 661, 1391, 1400, 59 660 (1979). Almeida-Sanchez 266, 270, 2535, 2538, 596 (1973); 443, 2529, Camara Municipal 387 523, 532-533, 1727, 1732-1733, 930 (1967). 28 attempts evade clear prohibitions unfettered declaring it." Ante, 375-376. vital assertion flatly contradicted record inventory, Officer Reichenbach, testified suppression hearing "park lock" "own discretionary decision." Tr. 76. Indeed, supposedly "criteria" heavily relies yielded result Since ample adjacent intersection stopped, consideration "feasibility" certainly militated favor option, comprehend how "appropriateness" channel officer's discretion; nonetheless, option seem appropriate stopped traffic offense likely length time. 29 indicates limit discretion. According directive,1 after placing arrest, three options disposing First, can allow third party custody.2 Second, (depending arrest) nearest facility, lock it, keys.3 Finally, case: containers.4 30 Under first occasion automobile. "[c]losed indication valuables weapon (i.e., inventoried)." 92-93 added). Only entitled Where itself crime,5 apparently totally unbridled use. 413, (Colo.1985) ("[T]he followed case"). Consistent Reichenbach left scene. 60. 31 Once initial given little guidance areas sort inventory. arresting Toporek, inventoried: "That very individualistic far go into. whatever arouses suspicious [sic ] type article car." 78. application, so-called breadth "inventory" whim officer. Clearly, "[t]he practical effect system [owner] field." 532, 1732. 32 Inventory government part "community caretaking" function, "totally divorced detection, investigation, acquisition violation statute." 441, 2528. Standardized ensure narrow improperly justify, fact, warrantless investigative foray. Accordingly, invalidate without established establish actually faith, fact "pretext." discretion, Boulder's scheme, like random spot checks 'grave danger' abuse discretion." 662, 1400. II 33 balanced government's Even constitute nonetheless analysis. A. 34 greatly overstates justifications BURGER, writing justify unlocked overtime parking: (i) remains custody"; (ii) disputes over lost property"; (iii) potential danger." 3097. finds "nearly same" 373. reveals, 35 protection-against-claims 378, 3, concurring), concedes, 373, use facilities effectively eliminates concern.6 claims, "inventories [not] effective discouraging since accompanying item prior intentionally omitted records." 378-379, 3101-3102 391, nn. 3108, dissenting); W. LaFave, Search Seizure § 5.5, 360, 50 (1978 Supp.1986). 36 Reichenbach's lodged respondent, otherwise. court's characterization "slip-shod" height understatement. example, failed list $150 wallet envelope marked "rent," $210, relevant section form. 40-41; 41-42. His reports reference value, credit cards, converter, hydraulic jack, tire chains, worth total $125. 41, 62-63. along contraband, appeared form completed later someone Reichenbach. 81-82. interior disarray, 99, "inadvertently" retained keys house keys—for two days 116, 133-134. interest—protecting danger—failed receive endorsement "there associated unsearched vehicles," appear identifying advance classes impoundments represent greater risk." 3101. 390, 3107 dissenting) (safety "cannot undifferentiated harm"). charge nothing suggests carrying weapons, explosives, Cf. 436-437, 2525-2526 (police reasonably believed defendant's service revolver car). Not instrumentalities attenuated justification most searches, increase risk. words Cooper, F.Supp. 652, 654-655 (SD Ohio 1977): avoid possible booby-trap easily refuted. No sane inspects booby-traps simply container." 38 justifies 379, 3102 concurring); 3108 dissenting). continue believe preservation outweigh fail asserted owner available safeguard possessions, 375, 3100, plausibly argued that, absence, act presumed benefit. 436, 2525 (comatose defendant). When predict possession. concurring) ("[M]any temporarily unattended several last"); cf. 61, 790, (1967) four months pending forfeiture; considered inventory). "present belongings," yet attempt ascertain wanted them "safeguard" offense, unlikely remain few hours. well willing locked short period 110 (had choice, indicated "would parked [the van] across street [and] [h]ad somebody come get it"). 39 much intrusive. involve 'touch intimate affairs,' 380, 7, 3102, California Bankers Assn. Shultz, 416 21, 78-79, 94 1494, 1525-1526, 812 (1974) concurring)); read authorize "containers sealed, removed secured further intrusion." 388, 3106, To expand include clearly privacy, (1983). fundamentally misplaced, however; justified considerations absent context. 40 bag. Notwithstanding assertions contrary, primarily compelling unique house, preincarceration powerful preventing introduction jail.7 "Arrested persons known injure themselves—or others—with belts, knives, drugs, person detained. Dangerous instrumentalities—such razor blades, bombs, weapons—can concealed innocent-looking articles possession." 2609. Removing about incarcerated security; once removed, "inventorying entirely procedure." LAFAYETTE fairly pressing concerns absent. B 41 greater. upholding defendant due "pervasive continuing regulation controls, periodic licensing requirements" obviously travel." 368, 3096. 386-388, 3105-3106 took 645-646, 42 Here ignores backpack. Whatever generally, 762, 2592, (1979) ("[L]uggage one's inevitably privacy"); 13, 2484, (1977) ("[A] person's expectations luggage substantially automobile"). acknowledged backpacks commonly repositories effects.8 comparatively luggage. III 43 Coolidge Hampshire, 403 461-462, 91 2022, 2035, 564 (1971), plurality stated: word 'automobile' talisman whose presence fades away disappears." principle, creates overcome Amendment—the term "inventory." dissent. Section 7-7-2(a)(4) Revised Code authorizes drivers provides: "A peace authorized remove street, driveway when: (4) department." Rev.Code (1981). Two justices dissented arguing compel conclusion confronted issue See, e.g., Griffin, 729 F.2d (CA7) (upholding package paper bag), cert. denied, 469 830, 105 117, 83 60 (1984); Bloomfield, 594 1200 (CA8 1979) (affirming knapsack); People Braasch, 122 Ill.App.3d 747, 78 Ill.Dec. 67, 461 N.E.2d 651 (1984) bag); Gonzalez, 62 N.Y.2d 386, 477 N.Y.S.2d 103, 465 823 Boggs Commonwealth, 229 Va. 501, 331 S.E.2d 407 (1985) boxes 1031, 1240, 347 correctly stated address extend located note, 'when [such as] itemize police.' 371, 3098 Gravitt, 484 378 (CA5 1973), 414 1135, 879, 76 (1974)). latter dissent overlooks testimony Department "[p]rotection department" event value vehicle." 19. added check "[f]or explosives [or] weapons." 20. emphasize always adhered criteria. 2610; 374-375, 3099-3100. quoting portion out context, Department. 380-381. Yet specifically "officially authorized." disturb finding 418-419. guiding selectively quotes directive concerning care fails mention establishes conditions met pursue park-and-lock alternative. park risk damage vandalism approval obtained. 91-92, 94-95. circumscribe minimize loss. Subsections 7-7-2(a)(1) obstructs traffic. General Procedure issued office Department, Motor Vehicle Impounds, September 1977, reproduced 89-95. 95. If crime consents, provides, part: "A. Upon operator motor Officers .: "4. shall drive off roadway legally PUBLIC area. date, time, location IMPOUND FORM. "5. ignition keys, all doors "6. During booking process, continuation signature One copy file." 93-94 II(A) "1. commission fruit crime, VEHICLE "2. Personal should Property safekeeping. "3. request Tow Truck, Truck sign FORM, keeping one possession, releases City facility." 90-91. Subsection (B) provides accident evidentiary purposes. Respondent's meaning directive; practice cars 61. Memorandum "approval arrestee" car, 92. never advised consent. At hearing, consented procedure. 110. old county highway yard. It ha[d] wooden fence partially around kind dilapidated wire fence, makeshift fence." 366, 3095, 1. (1973) outside, seven miles taken, posted lighted, private 6-foot fence. patrolled ever lot. 69-71. outcome amply demonstrated direction remand: unclear booked disturbing peace. That inquiry remand." 3. judgment) ("I agree incarcerating suspect" added)); Robinson, 218, 258, 467, 487, 427 (the suspect jail"). average carries backpacks, wallets, checkbooks, text books." 23.

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