NCJ Number
220555
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 55 Issue: 9 Dated: September 2007 Pages: 118-122
Date Published
September 2007
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article describes the many “booting” devices or vehicle wheel clamps and the manufactures of these devices used as vehicle immobilizers by law enforcement.
Abstract
Vehicle wheel clamps have been around since the mid-1950s and utilized by law enforcement to prevent vehicles from moving. The term “Denver Boot” is often used by the public to generically refer to any wheel clamp. Today, it is usually referred to just as “boot” or “to boot.” The devices, inexpensive, easy to maintain, and simple to use are used primarily to immobilize vehicles of owners who have outstanding parking citations and to hold illegally parked vehicles instead of towing. The so-called “release fee,” usually charged to an owner to release the lock, brings the agency revenue in the way of a fine and usually saves the vehicle owner money. Many agencies are returning to the use of booting products for their ease of use, inexpensive purchase price, and low maintenance costs. This article provides information on several current booting devices and their manufacturers. They include the (1) Clancy Denver Boot (the Standard Boot, the 4x4 Denver Boot, and the Superboot); (2) California Immobilizer (the Protector, the Enforcer--primarily for parking enforcement and the Immobilizer--most popular); (3) Alpha Lock--two-piece mechanical wheel lock; (4) Pit Bull Tire Lock--9.5 pounds, easy to carry, transport, and install; and the (5) Rhino Vehicle Immobilizer--produced by MITI Manufacturing, Inc., since 1958 and fitting a broad range of tire and wheel sizes.