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COUNTY OF SAN MATEO
Inter-Departmental Correspondence
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SHERIFF’S OFFICE
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DATE:
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February 13, 2007
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BOARD MEETING DATE:
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February 27, 2007
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SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:
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None
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VOTE REQUIRED:
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Majority
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TO:
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Honorable Board of Supervisors
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FROM:
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Sheriff Greg Munks
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SUBJECT:
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Acceptance of a $10,000 Donation from the California State Automobile Association.
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RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a Resolution authorizing the President of the Board to accept a donation in the amount of $10,000 from the California State Automobile Association to the Vehicle Theft Task Force.
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VISION ALIGNMENT:
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Commitment: Ensure basic health and safety for all.
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Goal 7: Maintain and enhance the public safety of all residents and visitors.
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This donation will help to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of law enforcement efforts in recovering stolen vehicles.
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BACKGROUND:
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In 1994, the Vehicle Theft Task Force (VTTF) was established for the purpose of reducing incidents of vehicle theft and increasing the arrests and prosecutions of vehicle theft suspects. The VTTF is overseen by an advisory board composed of County and city law enforcement officials and operates under the administration of the Countywide Narcotics Task Force (CNTF).
Activities of County and regional state law enforcement agencies involved in the prevention and investigation of vehicle thefts are coordinated through the VTTF. The VTTF provides:
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§ Intensive theft detection, criminal investigation, surveillance, apprehension and arrest of suspects involved in vehicle theft activities;
§ Ongoing technical and investigative support to individual police departments investigating vehicle theft crimes; and
§ Investigation training and theft prevention education to a variety of community groups.
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The VTTF is fully funded by a DMV surcharge for each registered vehicle in San Mateo County. VTTF’s funding stream has been consistent over the years, but operational expenses have increased to the point where there is not enough funding to purchase new equipment. For this reason the VTTF is forced to seek alternative methods to supplement funding for the purchase of new equipment and technological tools.
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DISCUSSION:
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The VTTF has recently been introduced to the Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) System. The ALPR System has the capability of capturing images of vehicle license plates and comparing them to a database of reported stolen vehicles. The device can capture images of on-coming traffic in excess of 65 MPH, allowing law enforcement to check thousands of license plates per day. This has significant benefits not only to locate stolen vehicles, but also to search for kidnapped or missing persons, including children.
The California State Automobile Association has indicated a desire to donate $10,000 to the VTTF to facilitate the purchase of the ALPR System. By obtaining this system the VTTF will be able to increase the number of recovered stolen vehicles as well as the arrests of the individuals responsible for the thefts.
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FISCAL IMPACT:
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The annual maintenance cost of the ALPR System is approximately $2,900 which would be covered under the Sheriff’s Office budget. There is no effect upon the net County cost.
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