(a) It shall be the duty of every police officer having knowledge of an abandoned motor vehicle to seize it and have it removed for safekeeping to such place as may be designated by the sheriff of the county, or the chief of police of the municipality, in which it was found, who shall be charged with its custody and disposition as provided in this article.

(b) A sheriff or chief of police may employ his own personnel, equipment, and facilities or hire persons, equipment, and facilities for the purpose of removing, preserving and storing abandoned motor vehicles.