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BACKGROUND The California State Legislature has resolved that the safety and welfare of the public is promoted by permitting local authorities, such as the City of Pleasanton, to regulate tow truck service companies and operators by requiring licensure, insurance, and proper training in the safe operation of towing equipment. These measures endeavor to ensure against towing mistakes that may lead to violent confrontation, stranding motorists in dangerous situations, impeding the expedited vehicle recovery, and wasting state and local law enforcement's limited resources. Tow service agreements are enacted to ensure that the public receives ethical and fair business practices from tow truck service companies. The CHP adopted a rotation tow program over twenty years ago to facilitate the safe, efficient and rapid removal of disabled vehicles or vehicles involved in collisions, tow vehicles in a manner that is convenient and user-friendly to the motoring public, and ensure the safety of the motoring public, the officers of the CHP and tow truck operators. California Vehicle Code section 21100 authorizes local agencies, such as the City of Pleasanton, to adopt rules and regulations by ordinance or resolution regarding licensing and regulating the operation of tow truck service and tow truck drivers whose principal place of business is within the jurisdiction of the local authority. The City of Pleasanton Police Department and many local law enforcement agencies, including the Alameda County Sheriff's Office, have modeled their tow service programs after those described in the CHP's Tow Service Agreement. The City of Pleasanton last substantially revised the Police Department's tow service agreement in 1997 and since then the CHP has revised its tow service agreement. Because Pleasanton's tow service agreement has become outdated, the Police Department has requested that its agreement be amended to reflect the current CHP agreement. DISCUSSION The proposed tow service agreement establishes a tow rotation program, similar to programs in other California cities and counties, with approved area tow operators who will respond when the Police Department needs a vehicle towed. The rotation program equally distributes tow services among operators who have been approved by the Police Department. The rotation tow list applicants are fairly and objectively evaluated by the Police Department using prescribed criteria that is substantially uniform for all agencies that follow the CHP agreement. To be accepted for placement on the rotation tow list, an applicant must meet required minimum standards. The tow service agreement also ensures that tow operators used by the Police Department are competent to respond to calls with minimal time delays. Page 2 of 5