The paper provides background material and supporting documentation on the Model Policy's developmental philosophy and implementation requirements. The Model Policy notes that the legal authority of the police to conduct an inventory of an impounded vehicle is usually traced to two U.S. Supreme Court decisions, Harris v. United States and Cooper v. California. These cases empowered police officers to inventory the contents of impounded vehicles. The Model Policy also stipulates that a motor vehicle inventory should be conducted pursuant to guidelines established by official police department policies. A lawful inventory may extend to all areas of the vehicle in which personal property or hazardous materials might reasonably be found. Further, if criminal evidence is discovered during the course of a valid inventory, that evidence may be admissible in subsequent criminal proceedings. The Model Policy explains when a vehicle impoundment and inventory are justified. 49 endnotes