By Khalida Sarwari
San Jose police’s impoundment policy is on the brink of changing due to the efforts of a local interfaith social justice advocacy organization.
The group, called PACT, held a news conference in San Jose tonight to celebrate the impending implementation of the policy.
The new policy would give police officers the option of permitting unlicensed drivers with non-hazardous violations to park their car, replacing the prior practice of towing and impounding vehicles of unlicensed drivers for 30 days after they are pulled over for traffic violations.
PACT and the Services, Immigrant Rights and Education Network, or SIREN, say that immigrant drivers and their families are especially affected by the impoundment policy.
Carla Munther, a 70-year-old PACT volunteer who administered a survey in June to gauge issues that most affect the immigrant community, said that the city’s impoundment policy was a major concern.
She said of the 1,800 who participated in the survey, more than a third reportedly did not trust police and that 40 percent had had their car towed.
After adding in tickets and fees, Munther said that the total cost per violation can add up to nearly $3,000, placing heavy burdens on struggling immigrant families.
“This is a civil rights issue,” Munther said. “This policy has the potential to have a positive influence on struggling communities and relations with police.”
She said PACT and other faith groups took up the issue with City Councilman Sam Liccardo.
Liccardo attended the news conference along with City Councilman Ash Kalra in support of the change in policy, which he said unlawfully and disproportionately impacts immigrant communities.
“We recognize that any time any change in enforcement is made, there is a great risk,” Liccardo said. “I’m very grateful to Chief Chris Moore.”
Diane Urban, assistant to the police chief, said the Police Department is working diligently to finalize the policy by the end of this month.
She said the Police Department supports the change in policy because it is efficient and will allow the department to reallocate its resources and time.