Who is required to be present at the impound hearing?

The correct answer regarding who is required to be present at the impound hearing is the hearing officer only. In the context of an impound hearing, the primary role of the hearing officer is to oversee the proceedings, assess evidence, and make determinations based on the facts presented. This individual's presence is essential to ensure that the hearing is conducted fairly and in accordance with legal standards.

While the officer who impounded the vehicle may provide testimony or information if necessary, their presence is not mandated for the hearing to take place. Similarly, the vehicle owner typically has the right to attend and present their case, but their presence is not legally required for the hearing to occur. The police chief, while knowledgeable about departmental policies related to impoundment, is not specifically required to attend an individual impound hearing either. The focus is on the hearing officer's role in adjudicating the case at hand.