AUTO THEFT AND THE UNIFORMED OFFICER

• NCJ Number: 12239
• Journal: Police Chief Volume: 40 Issue: 6 Dated: (JUNE 1973) Pages: 58-62
• Author(s): T LAWLESS; J PETERMAN
• Date Published: 1973
• Length: 5 pages
• Corporate Author: International Assoc of Chiefs of Police
• Publication Format: Article

Annotation

SPECIALLY TRAINED UNIFORMED OFFICERS USED TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF AUTO THEFTS IN SELECTED AREAS AND TO RETURN STOLEN CARS TO THEIR OWNERS IN NEW YORK CITY.

Abstract

ALL OF THE OFFICERS SELECTED FOR THE PROJECT POSSESSED A HIGH INTEREST IN CARS AND MECHANICAL BACKGROUND AND A HIGH ARREST ACTIVITY FOR AUTO LARCENY, FORGED LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS, AND ALTERED VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS. THE MAIN CONCERN OF THE PROGRAM WAS TO TRAIN THE OFFICERS TO A LEVEL WHICH WOULD ENABLE THEM TO MATCH THE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL OF THE PROFESSIONAL CAR THIEF. AREAS WHICH HAD A HIGH INCIDENCE OF REPORTED AUTO LARCENY WERE SELECTED FOR THE PROJECT. THE OFFICERS MADE NUMEROUS AUTO STOPS AND INSPECTIONS. TO GAIN COMMUNITY SUPPORT, PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS, WRITTEN AND RECORDED BY POLICEMENT, WERE PRESENTED ON THE RADIO. OFFICERS ALSO APPEARED ON TELEVISION TALK SHOWS TO DISCUSS THE PROJECT. THE SUCCESS OF THE PROJECT WAS DEMONSTRATED BY A 38 PERCENT REDUCTION IN AUTO LARCENY IN THE SELECTED AREAS.