HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011 CON San Diego County Regional Auto Theft Task Force MOUNOTE TO FILE
03-13-12
IN THE MATTER OF: Resolution of the City Council approving and
ratifying a Memorandum of Understanding authorizing the Police
Department to participate in the San Diego County Regional Auto
Theft Task Force, and appropriating an amount not to exceed
$80,000 from Account Nos. 290-411-626-100 through 199 to
Account Nos. 001-411-000-100 through 199 to fund one police
officer to be assigned to the task force; said funds will be
reimbursed by the District Attorney's Office. Please note the
following:
FULLY EXECUTED ORIGINAL MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
WAS NEVER FILED WITH THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT: _ CDC Housing & Grants
City Attorney _ Human Resources
City Manager _ MIS
_ Community Svcs. _ Planning
_ Engineering X Police
Finance Public Works
Fire
NTF
The attached MOU is a copy of the A-200 attachment
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
San Diego County Regional Auto Theft Task Force
This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is being executed by the below listed
agencies in connection with the San Diego County Regional Auto Theft Task Force
(RATT) which was initiated on or about July 1, 1992. The agencies listed below jointly
and severally agree to abide by the terms and provisions of this MOU throughout the
duration of this joint operation. This supersedes the MOU dated November 12, 1998.
1. California Highway Patrol, Border Division (CHP)
2. Carlsbad Police Department
3. Chula Vista Police Department
4. Coronado Police Department
5. Department of Insurance, California
6. Department of Motor Vehicles, California
7. District Attorney, County of San Diego
8. El Cajon Police Department
9. Escondido Police Department
10. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
11. La Mesa Police Department
12. National City Police Department
13. Oceanside Police Department
14. Probation Department, San Diego County
15. San Diego Police Department
16. San Diego County Sheriff's Department
17. United States Attorney
1 Amended 2/l6/10
The activities of the state and local participants in the joint effort described in this
Memorandum are funded by a $1 vehicle registration fee authorized by Vehicle Code
Section 9250.14 until January I, 2018. San Diego County Board of Supervisors
Resolution 9242, dated February 4, 1992, approved its implementation. The moneys
collected by the Department of Motor Vehicles would be allocated to the County of San
Diego to be expended under the guidelines set forth in the legislation. All references in
the Memorandum to "payment(s) by the County of San Diego," or similar wording are
related to and dependent on the moneys allocated to the County of San Diego. The
County of San Diego General Fund shall not be used for any reimbursements, payments,
et cetera, related to the Auto Theft Task Force.
PURPOSE AND MISSION
To effectively communicate with stakeholders to reduce the incidence of vehicle and
cargo theft and increase the apprehension and prosecution of professional thieves using
regional, proactive investigative methods and public education programs.
1. TASK FORCE OBJECTIVES
A. Incorporate regional resources to reduce vehicle and cargo thefts by
concentrating on complex investigations rather than targets of opportunity.
B. Identify organizations that use vehicle theft to commit federal crimes, i.e.,
transporting undocumented aliens and import / exporting stolen vehicles in
and out of Mexico.
C. Use contemporary technology to develop investigation and prosecution
strategies to reduce vehicle theft, cargo theft, and to increase recovery
rates.
D. Develop investigation and prosecution strategies that will have significant
and measurable impact on targeted areas.
E. Investigate and arrest those persons who report vehicles stolen in an
attempt to defraud insurance companies.
2. TASK FORCE DESCRIPTION
The Regional Auto Theft Task Force was formed in 1992, and is funded by a one
dollar ($1) vehicle registration fee authorized by Vehicle Code Section 9250.14.
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors Resolution 9242, dated February 4,
1992, approved implementation of the legislation and requested the Department
of Motor Vehicles to collect the funds for allocation to the county to enhance the
2 Amended 2/16/10
RATT program to deter, investigate and prosecute vehicle theft crimes. Vehicle
Code Section 9250.14 was to be repealed on January 1, 2010. However,
Assembly Bill 286 extended the repeal date until January 1, 2018.
The annual funding provided to RATT is approximately $2,600,000 which is used
to pay salaries and benefits of supervisors and detectives, the purchase of supplies
and equipment, provide necessary training and lease office space. Currently, the
San Diego County Regional Auto Theft Task Force is comprised of 18 detectives
and 3 supervisors from 14 federal, state, and local police agencies in San Diego
County, the San Diego County District Attorney's Office, the San Diego County
Probation Department and the United States Attorney's Office. Investigators
from the Department of Insurance and the National Insurance Crime Bureau also
participate on the task force.
GENERAL AGREEMENTS
It is agreed between participants:
1. PARTICIPANTS
The San Diego County RATT will be comprised of Police Officers, Sheriff's
Deputies, California Highway Patrol Investigators (CHP), a Probation Officer,
Special Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of
Insurance, National Insurance Crime Bureau, and the Department of Motor
Vehicles, a District Attorney Investigator, Deputy District Attorneys and
Assistant United States Attorneys.
2. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The Regional Auto Theft Task Force shall be headed by an Executive Committee.
The Executive Committee Chairman shall be appointed by the Chairman of the
San Diego Sheriff and Police Chiefs Association. In addition, other members of
the Executive Committee will include a member from the San Diego County
Board of Supervisors, the Chief of the San Diego Police Department, the San
Diego County District Attorney, the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, the
Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, the Chief of the California Highway Patrol,
and three of the representatives from the San Diego Sheriff and Police Chief s
Association. The latter three representatives are to be appointed by the Chairman
of the Sheriff and Police Chiefs Association. Members of the Executive
Committee shall meet as needed together with the Task Force Commander, in
conjunction with the monthly Sheriff's and Police Chiefs Association meeting,
but not less than once a year, to discuss Task Force operations and to provide
oversight and guidance to the Investigative Operations Committee (IOC) and the
Task Force Commander.
3. INVESTIGATIVE OPERATION COMMITTEE (IOC)
3 Amended 2/ 16/ 10
a representative from the San Diego County District Attorney's Office and the
CHP; and a Captain from each of the three police departments; to be chosen and
appointed by the Chairman of the Executive Committee.
The IOC will assist the Task Force Commander in obtaining resources, including
funds, personnel, equipment, vehicles, and other items required to support the
mission of the Task Force.
The IOC will assist the Task Force Commander in the development of
administrative procedures, investigative objectives, and strategies.
The IOC will also assist the Task Force Commander in the preparation of reports
for presentation to the Executive Committee. The IOC will meet as needed, but
not less than quarterly, to discuss Task Force operations.
4. TASK FORCE COMMANDER
The Task Force Commander will be selected by and be directly accountable to the
Executive Committee. The Task Force Commander may call upon the IOC for
support and guidance as listed in the above section.
The Task Force Commander shall prepare a quarterly written report of on -going
and completed investigations for each team, the number of hours (including
overtime), and any funds expended on each case. This report shall be provided to
the members of the Executive Committee and the Investigative Operations
Committee.
5. ISSUE RESOLUTION
As operational. issues arise, they will be mutually addressed and resolved by team
leaders and the Task Force Commander. If these problems cannot be resolved,
they will be presented to the IOC for resolution. It is agreed, however, that
resolution of operational problems at the lowest possible level is in the best
interest of the RATT.
6. CLERICAL
Clerical personnel shall be provided to the Task Force to facilitate normal clerical
duties associated with an investigative unit. Positions will be staffed through the
County and all salaries, overtime, and benefits will be paid by the County of San
Diego, except for any clerical personnel provided by the FBI. All clerical
personnel will operate at the RATT facility.
7. PERSONNEL
The Task Force shall be designed to bring from the various agencies the highest
level of experience and expertise to jointly combat vehicle theft. To that end, the
Task Force will be staffed as follows:
4 Amended 2/16/10
A. INVESTIGATIONS
The teams will be staffed by personnel recommended for assignment to
the Task Force from participating departments. Final selection shall be the
responsibility of the Task Force Commander with the approval of the IOC.
Assignment to the Task Force shall normally be for a period of three
years. Extensions may be granted with the consent of the Task Force
Commander and the employee's department. Extensions will be reviewed
semi-annually and granted based on employee performance.
If the Task Force Commander has cause to replace a member, the issue
will first be discussed with the contributing agency. The Task Force
Commander and/or the contributing agency will have the authority to
remove and/or replace personnel. If the participating agency does not
concur with the decision of the Task Force Commander to remove and/or
replace a Task Force member, the issue shall be forwarded to the IOC for
final decision.
Personnel performance and progress for each Task Force member will be
provided to the contributing agency as needed, but not less than semi-
annually.
8. INVESTIGATIVE STRATEGY
The routine investigative strategy regarding case development and direction will
be the responsibility of the Task Force Commander. The offices of the District
Attorney and the United States Attorney should be contacted on a regular basis
for legal opinions and guidance. It is intended that full use be made of the vertical
prosecution process. This is interpreted to mean that team supervisors
communicate with the assigned attorney at the earliest logical moment of the
investigation, and work together to build a case from inception through final
adjudication.
9. INFORMANTS
The use of informants will be consistent with the United States Attorney's
General and San Diego County District Attorney's Office guidelines.
10. CROSS-DEPUTIZATION
It is agreed that all local and state investigators participating in the San Diego
RATT will be sworn as Deputy US Marshals. The Deputy US Marshal status and
Peace Officer status of officers and agents, respectively, will apply only so long
as they are active members of the San Diego RA Fl .
5 Amended 2/16/10
11. PROSECUTION
Criminal cases, which present only violations of California state law, shall be
presented to the Task Force Deputy District Attorney.
Criminal cases, which present only violations of federal law, shall be presented to
an Assistant United States Attorney.
Cases which, present violations of both state and federal law, shall be presented to
a Deputy District Attorney and an Assistant United States Attorney to determine
the appropriate forum in which to prosecute the case.
12. LIABILITY
Each party to this Agreement agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the
other parties to this Agreement to the extent that any liability is imposed on those
parties due to the acts or omissions of the party's employees. In addition, the
parent agency shall also be liable for any workers compensation or similar
benefits due to its employee.
13. HOUSING
A centrally located office space has been leased to house the entire Task Force.
Payment of the lease is the responsibility of the County of San Diego.
13. EQUIPMENT
Each participating department shall provide one vehicle, including gas and
maintenance, for each of their investigators or supervisors assigned to the Task
Force. The procurement and allocation of resources is the responsibility of the
Task Force Commander. The IOC will provide support as required.
14. UNDERCOVER DOCUMENTS
The use of covert identities to support or enhance undercover operations is
essential. This will require the issuance of undercover California Driver's
Licenses and credit cards; the procurement, utilization, and control of these
documents will be such as to assure they are properly accounted for at all times
and are used only for authorized purposes.
15. ASSET SHARING
To support and continue joint participation of local law enforcement in the San
Diego County RATT, it is the intent that assets seized by the RATT will be used
to enhance future RATT operations. Both state and federal seizure procedures
shall be used consistent with the applicable federal and state forfeiture laws and
regulation. (This issue, however, is to be addressed in detail by separate
agreement.)
6 Amended 2/16/10
17. FISCAL PROCEDURES
A. PAYROLL
All personnel assigned to the RATT will be paid by their respective
departments. It will be the responsibility of the Task Force Commander to
accurately report the number of hours expended by RATT personnel.
B. SPECIAL FUND
The San Diego RATT shall maintain $10,000 to be used for the purpose of
furthering investigations related to the Task Force's mission of combating
professional vehicle theft. The Special Funds shall be kept in a place of
security within the Task Force office. Only the Task Force Commander or
his/her designated alternate is authorized access to the Special Fund.
C. CLAIM FOR REIMBURSEMENT
Agencies seeking reimbursement for Task Force activities shall submit a
detailed statement of expenses in prescribed format to the Task Force
Commander within 30 days following the end of each quarter. Only basic
salary and related benefit costs, including overtime paid at time and one-
half up to 240 hours, will be reimbursed by the County of San Diego.
Such reimbursement shall not be applicable to FBI participants on the
Task Force.
Upon approval of the Task Force Commander, a claim for reimbursement
will be forwarded to the County of San Diego for payment within 30 days.
Reimbursement to participating agencies may fluctuate due to shortages in
revenue. In no event will general revenues of the County be used to offset
any such shortage.
Requisitions for all materials and services related to Task Force activities
must have the prior approval of the Task Force Commander. The
approved expenses will be forwarded to the San Diego District Attorney's
Office for final approval and payment.
D. RIGHT TO AUDIT
Each party to the Agreement shall, subject to any pertinent legal and/or
policy reasons, make available to the County at all reasonable times its
payroll and other records relating to this agreement. The County may
audit such records, and, if the County determines that ineligible costs have
been reimbursed, the agency shall immediately repay the amount
determined to be ineligible to the County. The County may also withhold
the amount determined to be ineligible from future reimbursement. The
parties shall maintain the required records for a period of three years after
the date the expense is reimbursed.
7 Amended 2/16/10
E. FISCAL ACCOUNTING
The office of the District Attorney receives all source funds for the
Regional Auto Theft Task Force.
The District Attorney is the financial administrator for the Regional Auto
Theft Task Force.
The District Attorney shall provide quarterly reports to the Executive
Committee and the Task Force Commander.
19. STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES (SOP)
All Task Force members shall review and abide by the Standard Operating
Procedures Manual which shall be prepared by the Task Force Commander. The
SOP shall specify policies and procedures for the Task Force.
20. TERM OF AGREEMENT
This Agreement, contingent upon available funding, became available
commencing on June 1, 1993, and will terminate when funding, pursuant to
Vehicle Code Section 9250.14, becomes unavailable. Participating agencies may
elect to terminate the Agreement prior to its designated termination date. Any
agency desiring to terminate its participation in this Agreement shall indicate such
intent in writing to the Executive Committee. The termination shall be deemed to
take effect not less than 30 days after receipt of the written communication or
upon a date established by mutual agreement.
21. SIGNATURES
The undersigned represent that they have the authority to execute this Agreement
on behalf of their respective agencies/departments and, in signing this Agreement,
represent a concurrence with and support of the San Diego County Regional Auto
Theft Task Force as set forth in this Agreement and for the period and purposes as
stated herein.
8 Amended 2/16/10
CHIEF GARY DOMINGUEZ
California Highway Patrol
Border Division
Date
•Z9- 2-csc�
CHIEF T --r• Date
Carlsbad Police Department
CHIEF DAVI I : ARANO
Chula Vista Police Department
Date
/d
IEF L UIS SCANLON Date
Coronado Police Department
ISION CIIIEF JOHN STANDISH
California Department of Insurance
'
-IIEF KATHRYN DOOR
California Department of Motor Vehicles
7 - I - 1 b
6
DISTRICT ATTORNEY BONNIE DUMANIS
County of San Diego
9
Date
ate
— /so
Date
Amended 2/16/10
CHIEF PA • RECCO
El Cajo. ' • ce Department
Ca-t6
Date
6' 2-Jo
CHIEFIIM MAHER Date
Escondido Police Department
SPECIAL AGENT IN CHARGE KEITH SLOTTER Date
Federal Bureau of Investigation, San Diego Office
CHIEF ALAN L
La Mesa Police D part
ANNING
me
d 1/4-14
e
CHIEF ADOLFO GONZALES
National City Police Department
CHIEF FRANK MCCOY
Oceanside Police Department
a 16
Date
otd
Date
laL/ /0
Date
1�(6
CHIEF PROB TION b FFI' ER MACK JENKINS D. to
San Diego County Pro ation
10
Amended 2/16/10
CHIEF W
San Diego
-LAXQ
M LANSDOWNE
lice Department
Date
12-/3/10
SHERIFF WILLIAM GORE Date
San Diego County Sheriff's Department
74.1
HONORABLE LAURA E. t JFFY' Date
United States Attorney
Southern District of California
11
Amended 2/16/10
RESOLUTION 2011 — 29
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY
APPROVING AND RATIFYING A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
AUTHORIZING THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO PARTICIPATE IN
THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY REGIONAL AUTO THEFT TASK FORCE,
AND APPROPRIATING AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $80,000
FROM ACCOUNT NOS. 290-411-626-100 THROUGH 199
TO ACCOUNTS NO. 001-411-000-100 THROUGH 199 TO FUND
ONE POLICE OFFICER TO BE ASSIGNED TO THE TASK FORCE; SAID
FUNDS WILL BE REIMBURSED BY THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
WHEREAS, in 1992, the Regional Auto Theft Task Force ("RATT Team") was
formed as an inter -agency task force response to the County -wide problem of vehicle and cargo
theft by professional thieves by identifying organizations that use vehicle thefts to commit
Federal crimes, import and export vehicles in and out of Mexico, and prosecuting the person
who falsely report vehicles stolen in order to defraud insurance companies; and
WHEREAS, the RATT Team is comprised of law enforcement officers from local
police departments, County Sheriff's Department, California Highway Patrol, Federal Bureau of
Investigation, Department of Insurance, Department of Motor Vehicles; District Attorney's Office,
prosecutors from the District (the "Parties"); and
WHEREAS, in 2010, the Parties executed a Memorandum of Understanding
("MOU") outlining the current duties and obligations of members of the RATT Team; and
WHEREAS, as a condition of the MOU, the San Diego District Attorney's Office
will reimburse the City of National City an amount not to exceed $80,000 for the salary of one
National City Police Officer to be assigned to the RATT Team; and
WHEREAS, appropriation of funds in an amount not to exceed $80,000 is
necessary for the initial funding of the police officer to the RATT Team.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of
National City hereby approves and ratifies the Memorandum of Understanding authorizing the
National City Police Department to participate in the San Diego County Regional Auto Theft
Task Force. A copy of said Memorandum of Understanding is on file in the office of the City
Clerk.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council hereby authorizes the
appropriation of an amount not to exceed $80,000 from Account Nos. 290-411-626-100 through
199 to Accounts No. 001-411-000-100 through 199 to fund the salary of one police officer to be
assigned to the task force. Said funds will be reimbursed by the district attorney's office.
--- Signature Page to Follow ---
Resolution No. 2011 — 29
Page 2
PASSED and ADOPTED this 15th day of February 11.
n Morrison, Mayor
ATTEST:
o a
Mich el R. Dalla, ity Clerk
PPROVED AS TO FORM:
1l �
PI;4.
auda G.
City Attorne
Passed and adopted by the Council of the City of National City, California, on February
15, 2011 by the following vote, to -wit:
Ayes: Councilmembers Morrison, Natividad, Rios, Sotelo-Solis, Zarate.
Nays: None.
Absent: None.
Abstain: None.
AUTHENTICATED BY: RON MORRISON
Mayor of the City of National City, California
City Clk of the City of tional City, California
By:
Deputy
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the above and foregoing is a full, true and correct copy of
RESOLUTION NO. 2011-29 of the City of National City, California, passed and adopted
by the Council of said City on February 15, 2011.
City Clerk of the City of National City, California
By:
Deputy
CITY OF NATIONAL CITY, CALIFORNIA
COUNCIL AGENDA STATEMENT
ca o\\,• G
"7ETING DATE: February 15, 2011
AGENDA ITEM NO. 6
ITEM TITLE:
Resolution of the City of National City approving and ratifying a Memorandum of Understanding
authorizing the Police Department to participate in the San Diego County Regional Auto Theft Task
Force.
PREPARED BY: Craig Boegler, Lieutenant DEPARTMENT: Police
PHONE: 619-336-4433 APPROVED BY:
�
EXPLANATION:
The Regional Auto Theft Task Force (RATT) is an inter -agency task force response to the County -wide
problem of vehicle and cargo theft by professional thieves. The RATT Team uses regional, proactive
and complex investigative methods rather than focusing on targets of opportunity. The RATT Team is
comprised of law enforcement officers from local police departments, the County Sheriffs Department,
California Highway Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Insurance, Department of
Motor Vehicles, the District Attorneys Office, prosecutors from the District Attorneys Office and the
United States Attorneys Office. The RATT Team identifies organizations that use vehicle thefts to
commit Federal crimes, import and export vehicles in and out of Mexico, and prosecutes the persons
who falsely report vehicles stolen in order to defraud insurance companies. The RATT Team was
formed in 1992 and is funded by a one ($1) dollar vehicle registration fee collected by the DMV. The
istrict Attorneys Office agrees to reimburse the City of National City $80,000 per year (total) for
_.ssigning personnel.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT: APPROVED: „(/ Finance
ACCOUNT NO. 290-411-626-100 through 199 APPROVED: i MIS
Establish appropriations in Fund 290-411-626-100 through 199 in an amount not to exceed $80,000 and
reduce Fund 001-411-000-100 through 199
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
N/A
ORDINANCE: INTRODUCTION:
FINAL ADOPTION:
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve Resolution
BOARD / COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
"hTTACHMENTS:
Jan Diego County Regional Auto Theft Task Force MOU
q‘c‹,.ov, ao. aoa
RESOLUTION 2011 —
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NATIONAL CITY
APPROVING AND RATIFYING A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
AUTHORIZING THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO PARTICIPATE IN
THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY REGIONAL AUTO THEFT TASK FORCE,
AND APPROPRIATING AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $80,000
FROM ACCOUNT NOS. 290-411-626-100 THROUGH 199
TO ACCOUNTS NO. 001-411-000-100 THROUGH 199 TO FUND
ONE POLICE OFFICER TO BE ASSIGNED TO THE TASK FORCE; SAID
FUNDS WILL BE REIMBURSED BY THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
WHEREAS, in 1992, the Regional Auto Theft Task Force ("RATT Team") was
formed as an inter -agency task force response to the County -wide problem of vehicle and cargo
theft by professional thieves by identifying organizations that use vehicle thefts to commit
Federal crimes, import and export vehicles in and out of Mexico, and prosecuting the person
who falsely report vehicles stolen in order to defraud insurance companies; and
WHEREAS, the RATT Team is comprised of law enforcement officers from local
police departments, County Sheriff's Department, California Highway Patrol, Federal Bureau of
Investigation, Department of Insurance, Department of Motor Vehicles; District Attorney's Office,
prosecutors from the District (the "Parties"); and
WHEREAS, in 2010, the Parties executed a Memorandum of Understanding
("MOU") outlining the current duties and obligations of members of the RATT Team; and
WHEREAS, as a condition of the MOU, the San Diego District Attorney's Office
will reimburse the City of National City an amount not to exceed $80,000 for the salary of one
National City Police Officer to be assigned to the RATT Team; and
WHEREAS, appropriation of funds in an amount not to exceed $80,000 is
necessary for the initial funding of the police officer to the RATT Team.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of
National City hereby approves and ratifies the Memorandum of Understanding authorizing the
National City Police Department to participate in the San Diego County Regional Auto Theft
Task Force. A copy of said Memorandum of Understanding is on file in the office of the City
Clerk.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council hereby authorizes the
appropriation of an amount not to exceed $80,000 from Account Nos. 290-411-626-100 through
199 to Accounts No. 001-411-000-100 through 199 to fund the salary of one police officer to be
assigned to the task force. Said funds will be reimbursed by the district attorney's office.
--- Signature Page to Follow ---
Resolution No. 2011 —
Page 2
PASSED and ADOPTED this 15th day of February, 2011.
Ron Morrison, Mayor
ATTEST:
Michael R. Dalla, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Claudia G. Silva
City Attorney
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
San Diego County Regional Auto Theft Task Force
This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is being executed by the below listed
agencies in connection with the San Diego County Regional Auto Theft Task Force
(RATT) which was initiated on or about July 1, 1992. The agencies listed below jointly
and severally agree to abide by the terms and provisions of this MOU throughout the
duration of this joint operation. This supersedes the MOU dated November 12, 1998.
1. California Highway Patrol, Border Division (CHP)
2. Carlsbad Police Department
3. Chula Vista Police Department
4. Coronado Police Department
5. Department of Insurance, California
6. Department of Motor Vehicles, California
7. District Attorney, County of San Diego
8. El Cajon Police Department
9. Escondido Police Department
10. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
11. La Mesa'Police Department
12. National City Police Department
13. Oceanside Police Department
14. Probation Department, San Diego County
15. San Diego Police Department
16. San Diego County Sheriff's Department
17. United States Attorney
1 Amended 2/16/10
The activities of the state and local participants in the joint effort described in this
Memorandum are funded by a $1 vehicle registration fee authorized by Vehicle Code
Section 9250.14 until January I, 2018. San Diego County Board of Supervisors
Resolution 9242, dated February 4, 1992, approved its implementation. The moneys
collected by the Department of Motor Vehicles would be allocated to the County of San
Diego to be expended under the guidelines set forth in the legislation. All references in
the Memorandum to "payment(s) by the County of San Diego," or similar wording are
related to and dependent on the moneys allocated to the County of San Diego. The
County of San Diego General Fund shall not be used for any reimbursements, payments,
et cetera, related to the Auto Theft Task Force.
PURPOSE AND MISSION
To effectively communicate with stakeholders to reduce the incidence of vehicle and
cargo theft and increase the apprehension and prosecution of professional thieves using
regional, proactive investigative methods and public education programs.
1. TASK FORCE OBJECTIVES
A. Incorporate regional resources to reduce vehicle and cargo thefts by
concentrating on complex investigations rather than targets of opportunity.
B. Identify organizations that use vehicle theft to commit federal crimes, i.e.,
transporting undocumented aliens and import / exporting stolen vehicles in
and out of Mexico.
C. Use contemporary technology to develop investigation and prosecution
strategies to reduce vehicle theft, cargo theft, and to increase recovery
rates.
D. Develop investigation and prosecution strategies that will have significant
and measurable impact on targeted areas.
E. Investigate and arrest those persons who report vehicles stolen in an
attempt to defraud insurance companies.
2. TASK FORCE DESCRIPTION
The Regional Auto Theft Task Force was formed in 1992, and is funded by a one
dollar ($1) vehicle registration fee authorized by Vehicle Code Section 9250.14.
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors Resolution 9242, dated February 4,
1992, approved implementation of the legislation and requested the Department
of Motor Vehicles to collect the funds for allocation to the county to enhance the
2
Amended 2/16/10
RATT program to deter, investigate and prosecute vehicle theft crimes. Vehicle
Code Section 9250.14 was to be repealed on January 1, 2010. However,
Assembly Bill 286 extended the repeal date until January 1, 2018.
The annual funding provided to RATT is approximately $2,600,000 which is used
to pay salaries and benefits of supervisors and detectives, the purchase of supplies
and equipment, provide necessary training and lease office space. Currently, the
San Diego County Regional Auto Theft Task Force is comprised of 18 detectives
and 3 supervisors from 14 federal, state, and local police agencies in San Diego
County, the San Diego County District Attorney's Office, the San Diego County
Probation Department and the United States Attorney's Office. Investigators
from the Department of Insurance and the National Insurance Crime Bureau also
participate on the task force.
GENERAL AGREEMENTS
It is agreed between participants:
1. PARTICIPANTS
The San Diego County RATT will be comprised of Police Officers, Sheriff's
Deputies, California Highway Patrol Investigators (CHP), a Probation Officer,
Special Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of
Insurance, National Insurance Crime Bureau, and the Department of Motor
Vehicles, a District Attorney Investigator, Deputy District Attorneys and
Assistant United States Attorneys.
2. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The Regional Auto Theft Task Force shall be headed by an Executive Committee.
The Executive Committee Chairman shall be appointed by the Chairman of the
San Diego Sheriff and Police Chiefs Association. In addition, other members of
the Executive Committee will include a member from the San Diego County
Board of Supervisors, the Chief of the San Diego Police Department, the San
Diego County District Attorney, the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, the
Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, the Chief of the California Highway Patrol,
and three of the representatives from the San Diego Sheriff and Police Chief s
Association. The latter three representatives are to be appointed by the Chairman
of the Sheriff and Police Chiefs Association. Members of the Executive
Committee shall meet as needed together with the Task Force Commander, in
conjunction with the monthly Sheriffs and Police Chiefs Association meeting,
but not less than once a year, to discuss Task Force operations and to provide
oversight and guidance to the Investigative Operations Committee (IOC) and the
Task Force Commander.
3. INVESTIGATIVE OPERATION COMMITTEE (IOC)
3
Amended 2/16/10
a representative from the San Diego County District Attorney's Office and the
CHP; and a Captain from each of the three police departments; to be chosen and
appointed by the Chairman of the Executive Committee.
The IOC will assist the Task Force Commander in obtaining resources, including
funds, personnel, equipment, vehicles, and other items required to support the
mission of the Task Force.
The IOC will assist the Task Force Commander in the development of
administrative procedures, investigative objectives, and strategies.
The IOC will also assist the Task Force Commander in the preparation of reports
for presentation to the Executive Committee. The IOC will meet as needed, but
not less than quarterly, to discuss Task Force operations.
4. TASK FORCE COMMANDER
The Task Force Commander will be selected by and be directly accountable to the
Executive Committee. The Task Force Commander may call upon the IOC for
support and guidance as listed in the above section.
The Task Force Commander shall prepare a quarterly written report of on -going
and completed investigations for each team, the number of hours (including
overtime), and any funds expended on each case. This report shall be provided to
the members of the Executive Committee and the Investigative Operations
Committee.
5. ISSUE RESOLUTION
As operational issues arise, they will be mutually addressed and resolved by team
leaders and the Task Force Commander. If these problems cannot be resolved,
they will be presented to the IOC for resolution. It is agreed, however, that
resolution of operational problems at the lowest possible level is in the best
interest of the RATT.
6. CLERICAL
Clerical personnel shall be provided to the Task Force to facilitate normal clerical
duties associated with an investigative unit. Positions will be staffed through the
County and all salaries, overtime, and benefits will be paid by the County of San
Diego, except for any clerical personnel provided by the FBI. All clerical
personnel will operate at the RATT facility.
7. PERSONNEL
The Task Force shall be designed to bring from the various agencies the highest
level of experience and expertise to jointly combat vehicle theft. To that end, the
Task Force will be staffed as follows:
4 Amended 2/16/10
A. INVESTIGATIONS
The teams will be staffed by personnel recommended for assignment to
the Task Force from participating departments. Final selection shall be the
responsibility of the Task Force Commander with the approval of the IOC.
Assignment to the Task Force shall normally be for a period of three
years. Extensions may be granted with the consent of the Task Force
Commander and the employee's department. Extensions will be reviewed
semi-annually and granted based on employee performance.
If the Task Force Commander has cause to replace a member, the issue
will first be discussed with the contributing agency. The Task Force
Commander and/or the contributing agency will have the authority to
remove and/or replace personnel. If the participating agency does not
concur with the decision of the Task Force Commander to remove and/or
replace a Task Force member, the issue shall be forwarded to the IOC for
final decision.
Personnel performance and progress for each Task Force member will be
provided to the contributing agency as needed, but not less than semi-
annually.
8. INVESTIGATIVE STRATEGY
The routine investigative strategy regarding case development and direction will
be the responsibility of the Task Force Commander. The offices of the District
Attorney and the United States Attorney should be contacted on a regular basis
for legal opinions and guidance. It is intended that full use be made of the vertical
prosecution process. This is interpreted to mean that team supervisors
communicate with the assigned attorney at the earliest logical moment of the
investigation, and work together to build a case from inception through final
adj udication.
9. INFORMANTS
The use of informants will be consistent with the United States Attorney's
General and San Diego County District Attorney's Office guidelines.
10. CROSS-DEPUTIZATION
It is agreed that all local and state investigators participating in the San Diego
RATT will be sworn as Deputy US Marshals. The Deputy US Marshal status and
Peace Officer status of officers and agents, respectively, will apply only so long
as they are active members of the San Diego RATT.
5 Amended 2/16/10
11. PROSECUTION
Criminal cases, which present only violations of California state law, shall be
presented to the Task Force Deputy District Attorney.
Criminal cases, which present only violations of federal law, shall be presented to
an Assistant United States Attorney.
Cases which, present violations of both state and federal law, shall be presented to
a Deputy District Attorney and an Assistant United States Attorney to determine
the appropriate forum in which to prosecute the case.
12. LIABILITY
Each party to this Agreement agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the
other parties to this Agreement to the extent that any liability is imposed on those
parties due to the acts or omissions of the party's employees. In addition, the
parent agency shall also be liable for any workers compensation or similar
benefits due to its employee.
13. HOUSING
A centrally located office space has been leased to house the entire Task Force.
Payment of the lease is the responsibility of the County of San Diego.
13. EQUIPMENT
Each participating department shall provide one vehicle, including gas and
maintenance, for each of their investigators or supervisors assigned to the Task
Force. The procurement and allocation of resources is the responsibility of the
Task Force Commander. The IOC will provide support as required.
14. UNDERCOVER DOCUMENTS
The use of covert identities to support or enhance undercover operations is
essential. This will require the issuance of undercover California Driver's
Licenses and credit cards; the procurement, utilization, and control of these
documents will be such as to assure they are properly accounted for at all times
and are used only for authorized purposes.
15. ASSET SHARING
To support and continue joint participation of local law enforcement in the San
Diego County RATT, it is the intent that assets seized by the RATT will be used
to enhance future RATT operations. Both state and federal seizure procedures
shall be used consistent with the applicable federal and state forfeiture laws and
regulation. (This issue, however, is to be addressed in detail by separate
agreement.)
6 Amended 2/16/10
17. FISCAL PROCEDURES
A. PAYROLL
All personnel assigned to the RATT will be paid by their respective
departments. It will be the responsibility of the Task Force Commander to
accurately report the number of hours expended by RATT personnel.
B. SPECIAL FUND
The San Diego RATT shall maintain $10,000 to be used for the purpose of
furthering investigations related to the Task Force's mission of combating
professional vehicle theft. The Special Funds shall be kept in a place of
security within the Task Force office. Only the Task Force Commander or
his/her designated alternate is authorized access to the Special Fund.
C. CLAIM FOR REIMBURSEMENT
Agencies seeking reimbursement for Task Force activities shall submit a
detailed statement of expenses in prescribed format to the Task Force
Commander within 30 days following the end of each quarter. Only basic
salary and related benefit costs, including overtime paid at time and one-
half up to 240 hours, will be reimbursed by the County of San Diego.
Such reimbursement shall not be applicable to FBI participants on the
Task Force.
Upon approval of the Task Force Commander, a claim for reimbursement
will be forwarded to the County of San Diego for payment within 30 days.
Reimbursement to participating agencies may fluctuate due to shortages in
revenue. In no event will general revenues of the County be used to offset
any such shortage.
Requisitions for all materials and services related to Task Force activities
must have the prior approval of the Task Force Commander. The
approved expenses will be forwarded to the San Diego District Attorney's
Office for final approval and payment.
D. RIGHT TO AUDIT
Each party to the Agreement shall, subject to any pertinent legal and/or
policy reasons, make available to the County at all reasonable times its
payroll and other records relating to this agreement. The County may
audit such records, and, if the County determines that ineligible costs have
been reimbursed, the agency shall immediately repay the amount
determined to be ineligible to the County. The County may also withhold
the amount determined to be ineligible from future reimbursement. The
parties shall maintain the required records for a period of three years after
the date the expense is reimbursed.
Amended 2/16/10
E. FISCAL ACCOUNTING
The office of the District Attorney receives all source funds for the
Regional Auto Theft Task Force.
The District Attorney is the financial administrator for the Regional Auto
Theft Task Force.
The District Attorney shall provide quarterly reports to the Executive
Committee and the Task Force Commander.
19. STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES (SOP)
All Task Force members shall review and abide by the Standard Operating
Procedures Manual which shall be prepared by the Task Force Commander. The
SOP shall specify policies and procedures for the Task Force.
20. TERM OF AGREEMENT
This Agreement, contingent upon available funding, became available
commencing on June 1, 1993, and will terminate when funding, pursuant to
Vehicle Code Section 9250.14, becomes unavailable. Participating agencies may
elect to terminate the Agreement prior to its designated termination date. Any
agency desiring to terminate its participation in this Agreement shall indicate such
intent in writing to the Executive Committee. The termination shall be deemed to
take effect not less than 30 days after receipt of the written communication or
upon a date established by mutual agreement.
21. SIGNATURES
The undersigned represent that they have the authority to execute this Agreement
on behalf of their respective agencies/departments and, in signing this Agreement,
represent a concurrence with and support of the San Diego County Regional Auto
Theft Task Force as set forth in this Agreement and for the period and purposes as
stated herein.
8 Amended 2/16/10
CHIEF GARY DOMINGUEZ
California Highway Patrol
Border Division
Date
C'29- 2estC)
CHIEF T -r Lei.sm242.4;%06.4 Date
Carlsbad Police Department
o.
CHIEF DAVI
ARANO
Chula Vista Police Department
Coronado Police Department
/C�
Date
Date
ISION CHIEF JOHN STANDISH Date
California Department of Insurance
California Department of Motor Vehicles
DISTRICT ATTORNEY BONNIE DUMANIS
County of San Diego
ate
-67?—ia
Date
9 Amended 2/16/10
CHIEF PA ''RECCO
El Caj o i ' . ce Department
Date
CHIEVJIM MAHER Date
Escondido Police Department
110-1(
SPECIAL AGENT IN CHARGE KEITH SLOTTER Date
Federal Bureau of Investigation, San Diego Office
CHIEF ALAN LANNING
La Mesa Police Departme
e
CHIEF AD LFO GONZALES
National City Police Department
c_ S /`,n,�
CHIEF FRANK MCCOY
Oceanside Police Department
Date
6 19,;2, vLe!
Date
Date
'7 1�co
CHIEF PROB TION b FFIER MACK JENKINS D to
San Diego County Pro ' ation
10 Amended 2/16/10
CHIEE—W
San Diego
M LANSDOWNE
lice Department
d.efeeto••4— 4,1•444,
SHERIFF WILLIAM GORE Date
San Diego County Sheriff's Department
7‘/o
Date
/213/I0
HONORABLE LAURA E. 1 FF Date
United States Attorney
Southern District of California
11
Amended 2/16/10