11 Motion to approve a resolution authorizing a grant application - Automobile Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority

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AUTOMOBILE BURGLARY 8c THEFT PREVENTION AUTHORITY PROGRAM NARRATIVE 2. Goals and Objectives (See lnstructions on page 18) This year presented a decrease from 564 auto thefts in 2006 to 467 thefts in 2007. This was an 18% decrease for all twelve counties in our area. The decrease duplicated the 18% decrease in 2006. We feel this is attributed to the total cooperation of all agencies in this area. The Texas DPS has been a tremendous power behind our success. Coordinating major investigations with the DPS MVTS sergeants is the key. We perform more overt operations than covert, but there are times you have to do covert operations. DPS has the equipment to provide for us to use with these types of investigations. Below are some of the tools used to complete investigations: • Obtain and develop information on vehicle crimes and identification of offenders • Interview and interrogate offenders and witnesses • Locate and recover stolen vehicles, parts, etc. • Identify altered vehicles (salvage yard inspections & 68A inspections) • Investigate insurance fraud • Arrest ofFenders and use the required follow-up for prosecution • Set and appear at hearings to restore stolen property • Inspect salvage dealers, repair shops, and vehicle dealers • Assist Tax Assessors in identification of fraudulent documents • Assist Tax Assessors in training personnel on proper documentation The Northeast Texas ATTF will continue to do H.E.A.T. registrations and VIN etchings when requested. We make public presentations to civic groups and have booths at local fairs and car shows. We presented one training course this year, with two others being canceled by the Academy. We continue to work with all agencies in our coverage area to combat auto theft and related crimes. Continuing goals for the Northeast Texas ATTF for next year are: • Strive to continue the reduction of auto theft in our coverage area • Continue our efforts at crime prevention • Work diligently to present three Auto Theft Schools for officer training • Continue to meet monthly with agencies and prosecutors to determine types and locations of investigations The City of Paris Police Department has the following ongoing grants: • Lamar County Felony Crimes Unit • Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Our officers are trained in cultural diversity, public awareness, and legal updates of all Federal, State, and case laws on a regular basis. Proaosed Proiect Activities The Northeast Texas ATTF covers approximately 8,000 square miles over twelve counties with a population estimated at about 500,000. It is estimated that there are approximately 750,000 vehicles registered in our area. Our Task Force assists an average of 40 agencies, the majority of which are small and do not have full-time auto theft investigators. The Northeast Texas ATTF started in September 1994 with one sergeant and one investigator to investigate auto theft and related crimes, and we still have the same number of people. The Northeast Texas ATTF had three training classes scheduled; however, we were only allowed to present one because of cancellation by the Academy for lack of registration. The two officers that are assigned to the Task Force have completed special training through the Texas Department of Public Safety, National Insurance Crime Bureau, and the Texas Automobile Theft Prevention Authority. The Task Force Sergeant handles the administrative and daily operation of the Task Force. The sergeant and the investigator handle the investigations of the auto thefts, other related crimes from start to the end of prosecution, public awareness, training, and inspections. 0002 ABTPA-24