Coordinated Response to Motor Vehicle Thefts: Evalution of Enforcement and Crime Prevention Efforts

摘要

In response to dramatic increases in vehicle thefts, local, state, and federal agencies formed the San Diego Regional Auto Theft Task Force (RATT). The task force is a proactive approach to the investigation, apprehension, and prosecution of motor vehicle theft suspects, particularly those involved in major countywide vehicle theft operations. RATT is funded through a $1 assessment on state vehicle registration, authorized by State Senate Bill 2 139. Sixteen federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies participate in RATT. The National Institute of Justice(NIJ) authorized funding to the San Diego Association of Governments to evaluate the effectveness of enhanced crime analysis information about motor vehicle thefts to target enforcement and crime prevention efforts. The evaluation involves collecting motor vehicle theft data to identify information needed by investigators and to analyze crime patterns associated with major vehicle theft rings. A crime analysis and mapping system (CAMS) is being developed and implemented in collaboration with the San Diego Police Department Crime Analysis section. In addition, the assessment entails providing crime analysis information to detectives and identifjhg target and control areas for enforcement and crime prevention. The evaluation includes a descriptive analysis of operations beforeand after the implementation of CAMS, analysis of baseline and post-test data, and interviews with RATT detectives. This paper presents on overview of motor vehicle theft in San Diego County. Also presented is information from interviews conducted with RATT staff, the process of the creation of CAMS, and identification and implementation of strategies in target and control areas chosen throughout the county of San Diego.