ARIZONA AUTOMOBILE THEFT AUTHORITY September/October 2003 Newsletter The AATA Announces 2003/2004 Grant Award Recipients In May 2003, the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority (AATA) issued over $897,000 in grant funding to thirty-two (32) criminal justice agencies throughout Arizona for fiscal year 2003/2004. The AATA finalized its 2003/2004 Vertical Prosecution, Law Enforcement, Public Awareness and Professional Training grant programs with funding going out to statewide criminal justice agencies. Several of this years grant agencies include rural communities in Arizona that the AATA has not issued prior funding to. AATA Executive Director, Mr. Mikel Longman states, “The AATA is excited about the opportunity to provide additional funding to its statewide community partners to further their enforcement, investigation and public awareness and community education efforts.” Prescott Valley Police Department’s Watch Your Car Vehicle. This vehicle is an Allstate Insurance recovered stolen 1999 Ford Expedition with exterior graphics “wrap” funded out of AATA 03/04 Public Awareness Grant Program funds. Vehicle donation made possible by John Ravnik and Andrew Luck of Allstate Insurance Company. Meet the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority Board of Directors – Chief Harold L. Hurtt Chief Harold L. Hurtt, Phoenix Police Department Chief Harold Hurtt has been a member of the AATA Board of Directors since 1998. He occupies one of two police chief positions on the Board, appointed by the Arizona Chiefs’ of Police Association, and representing a city with a population of one hundred thousand or more. Chief Hurtt has served as Chief of Police for the Phoenix Police Department since April 14, 1998 and brings with him more than 30 years of law enforcement experience. Chief Hurtt has a significant record of accomplishments in the areas of community policing, department operations, policy development, community relations, personnel (continued on next page) INSIDE THIS ISSUE • 2003/2004 AATA Grant Programs • Meet the AATA Board of Directors – Chief Harold L. Hurtt, Phoenix Police Department • IAATI Award of Merit for AZ Vehicle Theft Task Force • 2004 Board of Directors Meeting Schedule • October is National Crime Prevention Month 1-888-NO-THIEF Arizona Automobile Theft Authority (continued from previous page) management, and strategic planning. Chief Hurtt is a member of numerous professional and community organizations, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACOP), the Major City Chiefs Association, and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. Thank you, Chief Hurtt for your continued support and dedication to the AATA as we continue our efforts in combating vehicle theft in the State of Arizona. Mark Your Calendars for 2004 Summit on Vehicle Theft - February 6, 2004 On February 6, 2004 the AATA will host its Annual Summit on Vehicle Theft, in conjunction with the Arizona Auto Theft Investigators Association (AATIA), who will host a one-day training session on Thursday, February 5, 2004. The Summit will include “best practices” presentations on successful programs and a workshop on the 2004/2005 AATA grant application process. The exact location has not yet been finalized. Task Force Receives IAATI Award of Merit The Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force was awarded the 2002 Vehicle Theft Award of Merit by the IAATI (International Association of Auto Theft Investigators) at their annual conference held in Los Angeles, CA August 3-8, 2003. The Task Force received this prestigious award for their efforts with Operation Lt. James McGuffin, Task Wounded Jaguar, a two-year inForce Commander receives depth investigation into a IAATI Vehicle Theft Award of Merit. criminal enterprise involved in auto theft, insurance fraud, VIN switching, money laundering, public corruption, and numerous other crimes. Congratulations to the Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force for their work in dismantling a major criminal organization. October is National Crime Prevention Month – Help the AATA Lock Out Auto Theft The Arizona Automobile Theft Authority in partnership with the Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force and statewide law enforcement agencies will be participating in several crime prevention events and fairs during the month of October. Please see next page for events and fair schedules! 1-888-668-4433 Arizona Automobile Theft Authority Crime Prevention Schedule of Events: • September 13, 2003 - Phoenix Police Department/Allstate Insurance/AATA Safety Fair at Metrocenter Mall from 8:00 – 9:30 am featuring auto theft prevention and free VIN etching. • September 20, 2003 - Spectrum Mall Safety Fair – 10 am – 2 pm • October 4, 2003 - Arizona Mills Mall - “Shopping for Crime Prevention” event 10 am – 2 pm featuring auto theft prevention and free VIN etching. • October 25, 2003 - Hall of Flame Fire Safety Fair – Hall of Flame Museum 6101 E. Van Buren from 9 am – 1 pm • November 8, 2003 - Phoenix Police Department/Allstate Insurance/AATA Safety Fair at Metrocenter Mall (I-17 and Dunlap) - 10:00 am - 2:00 pm featuring auto theft prevention and free VIN etching. Please visit the AATA’s web site at www.azwatchyourcar.com for a current listing of community events. Watch Your Car Program Experiences Tremendous Growth The AATA is pleased to report that the Watch Your Car Program experienced tremendous growth during fiscal year 2002/2003, with enrollment up over 122% over last year. This significant increase can be attributed to several initiatives currently in place including the AATA/Motor Vehicle Division partnership mailing project, the AATA’s Public Awareness Grant Program to statewide law enforcement agencies, and the community’s growing interest in utilizing tools to protect their vehicles and combat auto theft in Arizona. As of August 31, 2003, the Watch Your Car enrollments total 46,427. Watch Your Car Program Enrollments 50,000 41,156 40,000 30,000 18,500 20,000 12,400 7,950 10,000 2,272 4,131 0 FY 1998 FY 1999 FY 2000 FY 2001 FY 2002 FY 2003* *As of June 30, 2003 Arizona Automobile Theft Authority www.azwatchyourcar.com BATIC Center Open in Tucson The Arizona Automobile Theft Authority and Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force are pleased to announce the Border Auto Theft Information Center (BATIC) opened for business in August 2003 in Tucson, AZ. The BATIC Center is currently staffed with one full-time employee, with plans to expand to full operation in the upcoming months. BATIC will facilitate communication between Arizona and Mexican law enforcement authorities and will serve as a Janet Napolitano Governor AATA Board Chairman Mr. Michael Payne State Farm Insurance Company Vice Chairman Sheriff Ralph E. Ogden Yuma County Sheriff Sheriff Joseph Arpaio Maricopa County Sheriff Mr. Dean C. Butler Farmers Insurance Group The Honorable William J. Ekstrom Mohave County Attorney Director Dennis Garrett Department of Public Safety Mr. Alberto Gutier Public Member Chief Harold L. Hurtt Phoenix Police Department central resource for Mexican law enforcement authorities to contact to determine if a U.S. registered vehicle is stolen. Additionally, BATIC will aid Arizona law enforcement agencies in determining the status of Mexican plated vehicle they encounter. With this border initiative in place, the AATA expects significant progress in border interdiction and the recovery of stolen U.S. vehicles in Mexico. Ms. Ellen Poole Public Member The Honorable Richard M. Romley Maricopa County Attorney Chief Daniel G. Sharp Oro Valley Police Department Director Stacey K. Stanton Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division AATA Staff Mikel Longman Executive Director Paul Boelhauf Administrative Services Officer Ann Armstrong Public Information Officer Arthur Myer Fiscal Services Specialist Elisa Laurita Administrative Assistant 2004 AATA Board of Directors Meeting Schedule February 6, 2004 AATA Summit on Vehicle Theft April 16, 2004 AATA Grant Programs June 25, 2004 Review of Agency Operational Plan August 20, 2004 October 8, 2004 Audit Report December 10, 2004 1. Election of Board Members 2. Appointment of Board Subcommittee Assignments 3. Legislative Issues All Meetings Begin at 10:00 AM at the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority. Above dates and agenda items are subject to change up to 24 hours in advance of the meeting. All meetings are posted in compliance with A.R.S. §38-431.02. Arizona Automobile Theft Authority 1400 W. Washington Street, Suite 270 Phoenix, Arizona 85007 TEL (602) 364-2886 FAX (602) 364-2897 E-mail aata@aata.state.az.us 1-888-668-4433 An Equal Employment Opportunity Agency