Police generally may conduct an inventory search of an impounded vehicle without a search warrant, as the intended purpose is not to look for criminal evidence but to protect the vehicle owner’s belongings, protect the police department from lost/stolen property claims and to ensure police and public safety.  Contraband found during an inventory search may be used as evidence of a crime  but only if the impoundment and  subsequent inventory search are lawful and not pretext for an improper investigatory motive.  Also, the inventory search must be conducted within standard police procedures.