Feb. 02--Under fire for a controversial proposal to change the Los Angeles Police Department's vehicle impound policy, Chief Charlie Beck on Thursday defended the plan that would allow the early release of a car driven by an unlicensed driver.
Calling it a "progressive penalty," an unlicensed driver would be cited in all cases, but the car could be released to a licensed driver or the registered owner depending on a set of criteria rather than be impounded for 30 days, according to Beck.
The unlicensed driver would have to show valid identification, proof of insurance, that they have not been convicted of driving without a license, and that they have not caused a serious accident.
Otherwise, the car would be impounded for the full 30 days, Beck said.
The proposed changes address what officials call a fairness issue that is linked to hot-button immigration issues. Immigration proponents say impounds are unfair to illegal immigrants, who cannot legally drive because they cannot be issued driver's licenses.
Proponents warn that the changes would allow dangerous drivers back on the road.
But the changes would not threaten public safety, Beck said.
"If I had any inkling that what we were doing is illegal or a hazard to the public, then I wouldn't do it," Beck said.
"It encourages people to have insurance, to have identification," Beck said. "If we can make that dynamic change, then we will make the streets of Los Angeles safer."
Copyright 2012 - Daily News, Los Angeles
