HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 2025.05.22 - 42128
AGENDA ITEM: Grant Application to the State of Michigan for the FY 2026 Automobile Theft
Prevention Authority
DEPARTMENT: Sheriff’s Office
MEETING: Board of Commissioners
DATE: Thursday, May 22, 2025 6:00 PM - Click to View Agenda
ITEM SUMMARY SHEET
COMMITTEE REPORT TO BOARD
Resolution #2025-5235
Motion to approve the grant application to the State of Michigan for the FY 2026 Auto Theft
Prevention Authority in the amount of $1,526,668 with a county match of $1,526,668 for the period
of October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026.
ITEM CATEGORY SPONSORED BY
Grant Penny Luebs
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office is applying to the State of Michigan Automobile Theft
Prevention Authority (ATPA) for grant funding in the amount of $1,526,668 with a required grant
match of $1,526,668, totaling $3,053,336 for the period of October 1, 2025 through September 30,
2026. The ATPA grant form identifies a 50% grant match requirement, but when issuing the awards,
the ATPA has historically modified the match requirement to 40%.
The ATPA encourages multi-jurisdictional agreements; Oakland County’s grant application includes
one Detroit position, and Detroit’s grant application includes one Oakland County Sheriff’s Office
position. Under the ATPA grant, each participating agency is responsible for its match requirement.
The application requests continuation funding for the following positions in the Sheriff’s Office: two
(2) Special Revenue (SR) Full-Time Eligible (FTE) Sergeant positions (#4030901-10333 and
16163), five (5) SR FTE Deputy II positions (# 4030901–06108, 06109, 06147, 06148, and 11067);
and one (1) SR Part-Time Non-Eligible (PTNE) 1,000 hours per year Court Park Deputy position
(#4030901-12036).
The application also requests continuation funding for one (1) General Fund/General Purpose
(GF/GP) FTE Deputy II position (#4030601-11149) contracted with the City of Pontiac. In addition to
positions, the grant application requests funding for overtime, vehicles and mileage, investigative
equipment and software, cell phones, membership dues, training, and office supplies.
Funding is requested under the City of Detroit ATPA grant application for one (1) SR FTE Deputy II
position (#4030901-10898) in the Sheriff’s Office, assigned to the Detroit ATPA program, one (1)
unmarked vehicle with radio, overtime cost, training, and cell phone.
POLICY ANALYSIS
• The ATPA was established in 1986 to reduce motor vehicle theft in Michigan. The ATPA
provides grants on a competitive basis for programs to reduce motor vehicle theft. Grant
funds cannot be used for any other purpose.
• Participating CVTs contract with the OCSO as subrecipients of this grant. On page 15 of the
attached grant application, each CVT agency submitted its officer's budget to the OCSO,
which is included in this grant application. Due to CVT's involvement in this grant, the
county would only be responsible for $852,700.50 out of the $1,526,668. If this grant is
awarded to the OCSO, the subrecipient agreement will be submitted as a supporting
document to the grant acceptance.
• If awarded, FY 2026 goals will include:
o OCAT will reduce the number of motor vehicle thefts related to car dealerships. OCAT
detectives will actively work with dealerships and car companies in the Metro Area,
continuing to educate them on current trends in theft and fraud related to the car
industry.
o OCAT will increase the number of proactive arrests made by detectives. OCAT
detectives will work varying hours using investigative techniques to secure warrants
for crimes that occurred in communities and apprehend suspects during in-progress
crimes.
o OCAT will increase the number of arrests and recoveries involving heavy equipment
by working with the representatives of the large box stores that rent it.
o OCAT will utilize the bait trailer and bait motorcycle for proactive investigations.
• For FY 2025, the OCSO was awarded $1,725,120 with a grant match of $1,150,080 totaling
$2,875,200 for the ATPA program via MR #2024-4489.
• The application and future acceptance of this grant does not obligate the County to any future
commitment and continuation of this program is contingent upon continued future levels of
grant funding.
• No budget amendment is required at this time.
FISCAL IMPACT: No Budget Amendment Needed
Committee members can contact Barbara Winter, Policy and Fiscal Analysis Supervisor at
248.821.3065 or winterb@oakgov.com or the department contact persons listed for additional
information.
CONTACT
Tim Willis
Gaia Piir, Fiscal Officer
ITEM REVIEW TRACKING
Aaron Snover, Board of Commissioners Created/Initiated - 5/23/2025
AGENDA DEADLINE: 05/08/2025 4:30 PM
ATTACHMENTS
1. Grant Review Sign-Off
2. 2026 GRANTS-031 ATPA Grant Application FY26 (revised 4.22.25_V2)_Redacted
COMMITTEE TRACKING
2025-05-13 Public Health & Safety - Recommend to Board
2025-05-22 Full Board - Adopt
Motioned by: Commissioner Penny Luebs
Seconded by: Commissioner Christine Long
Yes: Ann Erickson Gault, Marcia Gershenson, Robert Hoffman, Brendan Johnson, Karen Joliat,
Christine Long, Penny Luebs, Gwen Markham, Kristen Nelson, Angela Powell, Yolanda Smith
Charles, Michael Spisz, Linnie Taylor, Philip Weipert, David Woodward (15)
No: Charles Cavell (1)
Abstain: None (0)
Absent: Michael Gingell, Robert Smiley (2)
Passed
GRANT REVIEW SIGN-OFF – Sheriff’s Office APP00218
GRANT NAME: FY 2026 Auto Theft Prevention Authority (ATPA) Grant
FUNDING AGENCY: Michigan Dept of State Police, Automobile Theft Prevention Authority
DEPARTMENT CONTACT PERSON: Sgt. Robert Negri / (248) 858-5247
STATUS: Application (Greater than $50,000)
DATE: 04/30/2025
Please be advised that the captioned grant materials have completed the internal grant review. The returned comments are
below.
The Board of Commissioners’ liaison committee resolution and grant application package (which should include this sign-
off and the grant application with related documentation) should be downloaded into Civic Clerk for the next agenda(s) of
the appropriate Board of Commissioners’ committee(s) for grant acceptance by Board resolution.
DEPARTMENT REVIEW
Management and Budget:
Approved – Shannon Lee (04/30/2025)
Human Resources:
Approved by Human Resources. Continues positions with no changes. – Hailey Matthews (04/24/2025)
Risk Management:
Approved. No County insurance requirements. – Robert Erlenbeck (04/24/2025)
Corporation Counsel:
Approved. There are no legal issues with the grant application– Sharon Kessler (04/28/2025)
GRANTS-031 (03/2020)
MICHIGAN STATE POLICE
Automobile Theft Prevention Authority
Page 1 of 12
AUTOMOBILE THEFT PREVENTION AUTHORITY (ATPA)
GRANT APPLICATION OVERVIEW
The ATPA was established in 1986 to reduce motor vehicle theft in Michigan. The ATPA provides grants on a competitive
basis for programs to reduce motor vehicle theft. Grant funds cannot be used for any other purpose.
Law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and organizations qualified as a 501(c)(3) non-profit are eligible to apply for an
ATPA grant. Grants will only be awarded for enforcement, prosecution, community awareness, and prevention programs
aimed at reducing motor vehicle theft.
The grant application is available on the ATPA website at www.michigan.gov/atpa. The application form is located on the
web page under “ATPA Forms.” Be sure to save these files to your computer before completing.
Match Required: Non-profit organizations:
• No matching funds are required.
All other agencies, including law enforcement agencies and prosecuting attorney’s offices:
• The matching fund requirement is 50 percent cash match of the total approved budget.
Deadline: The application must be received on or before June 2, 2025. Incomplete applications will not be
accepted.
Required: The following must be submitted:
• Completed application with signatures and supporting budget documentation.
• An 8 ½” x 11” map that displays the area served by the proposed project.
In addition, non-profit organizations must provide:
• A copy of the organization’s bylaws.
• A copy of the organization’s Articles of Incorporation filed with the State of Michigan.
• A copy of the organization’s determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service recognizing
the organization’s tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Submission: Scan and email an electronic copy of the signature page. This should include the saved electronic
version of your application with signatures and supporting documentation. These documents should
be emailed to the ATPA at MSPATPA@michigan.gov. Keep a copy of the entire application for
your records, including the instructions and any attachments.
You DO NOT need to send a paper copy to the ATPA.
For additional information or application assistance, contact the ATPA at MSPATPA@michigan.gov.
GRANTS-031 (03/2020)
MICHIGAN STATE POLICE
Automobile Theft Prevention Authority
Page 2 of 12
ATPA GRANT CONDITIONS
A. DURATION OF GRANT
The grantee understands that grant initiatives may be planned over a period of years; however, each grant will be
approved by the ATPA on a yearly basis. The grantee must submit an application each grant year if they wish to
continue the grant beyond the initial grant period. The ATPA will approve renewal applications based on the
grantee’s previous accomplishments and successes.
B. IMPLEMENTATION OF GRANT PROJECT
The grantee agrees to implement the grant within 90 days following the grant award effective date or be subject to
automatic cancellation of the grant.
C. PROJECT MODIFICATION (ATPA Project Modification Request form, GRANTS-034)
1. The grantee agrees not to make any modification of the approved budget including, but not limited to, the
participating agencies, program, or budget, without the prior written approval of the ATPA.
a. Grant revisions must be submitted via the GRANTS-034 form to the ATPA at least 30 days in advance of
the need for the change. The revision must be approved by the ATPA before the modification may be
implemented.
2. The grantee agrees to provide the ATPA with written notification of any changes in personnel to the grant
project director position, financial officer, grant project contact, and grant-funded staff.
3. When an agency withdraws an employee from the ATPA team, the ATPA approved budget for that position
will remain with the ATPA team. The grant project director must inform the ATPA immediately when the
withdrawal occurs by completing and submitting the GRANTS-034 form. The vacant position will become
unfunded unless filled within 30 days, or an extension request has been submitted via email to the ATPA and
approved in writing by the ATPA.
D. EXPENDITURES
1. The Grantee understands and agrees that all expenditures from the grant will:
a. Be necessary for the proper and efficient administration of the grant and be allowable to it under the
principles and standards provided herein.
b. Be permissible under state and federal law and consistent with statewide policies, regulations, and
practices.
c. Not result in profit to the grantee or governmental unit.
d. Be incurred on or after the date of authorization to proceed, or the first day of the grant period, whichever
is later, and on or before the end of the grant period.
e. Be adequately supported by source documentation.
2. The grantee agrees to use the approved purchasing practices and bid procedures required by the applicable
agency, jurisdiction, or organization for expenditures involving grant activity.
3. The grantee agrees to maintain accounting records following generally accepted accounting principles for the
expenditure of grant funds. The grantee agrees to record all revenues and expenditures in a fund or account
separate from the grantee’s other funds or accounts.
4. The grantee understands that all state agency projects must have a legislative budget appropriation to accept
ATPA funds.
5. The grantee agrees to maintain all documentation for costs incurred for a five-year period following the final
payment of the grant.
6. Costs incurred prior to the starting date or after the ending date of the grant are ineligible for reimbursement.
E. EQUIPMENT
1. The grantee understands that “equipment” is defined as any non-expendable, tangible, personal property
having a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit. Items with a
useful life of more than one year, but with an acquisition cost of less than $5,000, will not be considered
equipment for purposes of this grant. Any equipment purchased through a grant by a state agency must also
adhere to all state equipment control procedures.
2. The grantee agrees that all equipment purchased under the grant will be used exclusively for motor vehicle theft
prevention purposes, not only during the period of the grant but for the entire useful life of the equipment.
GRANTS-031 (03/2020)
MICHIGAN STATE POLICE
Automobile Theft Prevention Authority
Page 4 of 12
ATPA GRANT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Applicant Information
Name of Applicant Organization: One organizational unit that will be responsible for the administration of the grant
in accordance with the grant conditions (e.g., “City of (Blank) Police Department”). This organization will be the
fiduciary for the grant. The fiduciary will be responsible for receiving and distributing grant funds to
participating team members, receiving, and compiling reports from team members, and submitting grant
reports quarterly to the ATPA via email.
ATPA Grant Project Number: Number referenced on all grant documents (first-time applicants will not have a
grantee project number).
Grant Project Title: Short name (acronym).
Authorized Official: Individual authorized to enter into an agreement with the ATPA in order to accept grant funds.
The ATPA will not pay the salary of the person in this position.
Project Contact: Individual responsible for the implementation of the grant and the submission of the progress
reports.
Project Financial Contact: Individual is responsible for gathering necessary financial information from team
members and for preparing and submitting required financial reports.
Program Information
Provide narratives related to the goals, outcomes, trends, and initiatives of the grant project.
Budget Detail
Sworn Employees: “Sworn employees” are defined as police officers and assistant prosecutors with criminal
investigative powers. Enter wages, the cost of fringe benefits, and overtime wages paid for each sworn employee.
Add together wages, the cost of fringe benefits, and overtime wages paid and enter the total in the “Total Sworn”
column. The “Total Sworn Employees” box at the bottom of the page will automatically add each identified cost for a
grand total.
Other Employees: “Other employees” include administrative assistants, motor vehicle theft prevention technicians,
vehicle information number etching technicians, etc. Enter wages, the cost of fringe benefits, and overtime wages
paid for each other employee. Add together wages, the cost of fringe benefits, and overtime wages paid, and enter
the total in the “Total Other” column. The “Total Other Employees” box at the bottom of the page will automatically
add each identified cost for a grand total.
Vehicle Usage: “Vehicle usage” includes the lease/purchase of the vehicle, maintenance, mileage/gasoline, and
necessary equipment based on your organizational type. Enter all vehicle usage in the columns provided. The total
for this section must be manually added and entered in the “Total Vehicle Usage” box; this total does not
automatically calculate.
Field Operations: “Field operations” includes equipment and supplies necessary for field operations. Equipment is
defined as any non-expendable tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year and an
acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit. Any equipment purchased through a grant to a state agency must also
adhere to all state equipment control procedures. Include other costs related to the grant project. Adequate detail
and justification must be furnished to support the costs included. Enter all field operations in the columns provided.
The total for this section must be manually added and entered in the “Total Field Operations” box; this total does not
automatically calculate.
Office Operations: “Office operations” includes equipment and office supplies necessary for office operations, as
well as other costs related to the project. Adequate detail and justification must be furnished to support the costs
included. Enter all office operations in the columns provided. The total for this section must be manually added and
entered in the “Total Office Operations” box; this total does not automatically calculate.
Grand Total: You must manually add together “Total Sworn Employees,” “Total Other Employees,” “Total Vehicle
Usage,” “Total Field Operations,” and “Total Office Operations” and enter your grand total in the “Total Amount” box.
GRANTS-031 (03/2020)
MICHIGAN STATE POLICE
Automobile Theft Prevention Authority
Page 5 of 12
Eligible Expenditures: (All eligible expenditures listed below with identified amounts are the ATPA portion;
agencies are responsible for appropriate match. Any expenditure not detailed below must have approval from the
ATPA prior to acquisition/purchase.)
- Regular salaries.
- Longevity costs.
- Fringe benefits (FICA, unemployment, workers compensation, retirement, life, medical, dental and vision
insurance).
- Overtime hours. Hours must not exceed twenty percent of the total sworn employee's budgeted salary/fringe
amount. This amount is cumulative for the team and can be utilized at the team’s discretion. For grantees only
paying overtime, this limit does not apply.
- Travel and meals. Travel outside normal territory, not to exceed $3,000 per employee/per year.
- Vehicle operation cost. Not to exceed:
o Law enforcement agency - Calculated at $10,000 per employee/per year; costs are cumulative, not
limited per employee. Only vehicles engaged in road patrols/investigations are eligible.
o Prosecutor’s office - $750 per assistant prosecuting attorney/per year for mileage and parking
reimbursement.
o Non-profit organization - $1,500 per employee/per year for mileage reimbursement.
- Office space or utilities. Requires prior approval.
- Office furniture - Requires prior approval.
- Copier purchase/usage. Not to exceed:
o Law enforcement agency - $1,200 per year.
o Prosecutor’s office - $1,200 per year.
o Non-profit agency - $2,400 per year.
- Phone installation. Prior approval is required.
- Landline phone purchase/usage. Not to exceed:
o Law enforcement agency and prosecutor’s office - $750 per person/per year.
o Non-profit agency - $1,500 per year.
- Office supplies. Not to exceed $200 per year/per person.
- Investigative supplies for law enforcement agency (sworn employees only), not to exceed $300 per year/per
person.
- Computer purchase. Prior approval is required.
- Cell phone purchase/usage. Prior approval is required.
- Motor vehicle theft-related association dues, including dues to the International Association of Automobile Theft
Investigators and Michigan Association of Vehicle Theft Investigators.
- Training or conferences for educational purposes relating to vehicle theft/fraud investigations. Prior approval is
required.
Ineligible Expenditures: (This is not an all-inclusive list. Prior approval is required for any expenditure(s) not listed
below.)
- Inordinate fringes, including, but not limited to, lump-sum payments (e.g., banked sick/vacation time, bonuses,
pensions, health benefits, and holiday pay).
- Health care benefit waiver bonuses.
- Indirect costs.
- Expenditure(s) incurred before or after the grant period.
- Any administrative costs not directly related to the administration of this grant.
- In-car terminals and system.
GRANTS-031 (03/2020)
MICHIGAN STATE POLICE
Automobile Theft Prevention Authority
Page 6 of 12
- Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) usage fees.
- Vehicle, liability, or professional insurance.
- Non-motor vehicle theft related membership and agency dues.
- Entertainment.
- Expenditures in excess of approved budget.
- Clothing/cleaning/gun allowance.
- Emergency response compensation.
- Show-up pay.
- Educational incentives (e.g., college courses and trade schools).
- First-class travel.
- Costs in applying for this grant (e.g., consultants and grant writers).
- Personnel, including law enforcement officers, not connected to the project to which this grant refers.
- Fundraising and any salaries or expenses associated with the fundraising.
- Legal fees.
- Purchase of promotional items unless prior approval is received in writing.
- Contributions and donations.
- Fines and penalties.
- Losses from uncollectible bad debts.
- Purchases of land.
- Military-type equipment such as armored vehicles, explosive devices, and other items typically associated with
military arsenal.
- Construction costs and/or renovation, including remodeling.
- Expert witness fees.
- Weapons, including tasers.
- Conducting law enforcement operations with the intent of generating revenue for personal or agency gain through
deceitful, fraudulent, unethical, or illegal methods.
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Program Information (from Page 8 of 12)
LAW ENFORCEMENT
1. General Overview
For the following section, provide a specific, detailed explanation of existing motor vehicle theft/fraud issues in
your jurisdiction. Include statistics and analysis that validate the issues identified. Describe, in detail, the current
program/project. New grantees can answer N/A for those questions that do not apply. (If more space is required,
please attach additional pages.)
What motor vehicle theft/fraud issues currently exist in your jurisdiction that warrant funding from the
ATPA?
The most significant vehicle theft/fraud issue continues to be the theft of high-performance vehicles. Dodge
Chargers, Challengers, and Jeep Track Hawks. These vehicles are highly sought after for their large engines and
drivetrains. The vehicles being targeted are primarily Stellantis products. Most recently, Stellantis has opened its
company car employee lease program to the UAW, which is increasing its products on the streets and making them
more accessible to thieves. The Stellantis vehicles are being stolen using a key fob reprogramming device,
allowing thieves to quickly drive away with the vehicle.
Rental car companies are experiencing theft and fraud on several different levels. They are dealing with failure to
return rental vehicles, customers renting vehicles using false identification, and employees within the companies
assisting internally with the theft of the vehicles.
Theft and fraud at dealerships and storage lots are rising in Oakland County. Subjects are targeting these
dealerships in different ways: 1) Subjects are going to dealerships, presenting false documents to get financing,
and then driving the cars off the lot, 2) Subjects are taking cars for a test drive, swapping out the key fob, and
coming back after hours to steal the vehicle, and 3) Subjects are coming into these lots after hours and stealing
cars directly from the lot.
Companies renting heavy equipment are experiencing theft and the sale of their equipment. Often, the customer
will rent a piece of equipment from a large box store, put it up for sale online and sell the equipment at a reduced
price for cash before the item is reported as stolen.
Vehicle dealership thefts continue to be a problem. Often, large groups of juveniles will hit a dealership, break in,
access keys, and steal multiple vehicles from the lot.
Several chop shops were discovered in Oakland County this past year. These shops swap high-end vehicle parts
into lower-model, less expensive donor vehicles. The vehicles come back as legit, but all major components have
been swapped.
Describe any existing organizations, partnerships, or community groups that are involved in the reduction of
motor vehicle theft/fraud in your jurisdiction. Have you done any collaboration with them? If so, please
advise of any successes you achieved.
The Oakland County Auto Theft team continues to consult with corporate investigations at Stellantis, General
Motors, and Ford. We have recently been consulting with GM on future security features.
OCAT continues to meet with the Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA) to provide recommendations and
insights on how dealers can protect themselves and help in prosecution. DADA has been successful in bringing
vehicle thefts to the attention of state lawmakers.
OCAT collaborates with ATPA teams statewide to identify theft rings and trends. We share information to help
identify large theft rings operating throughout the state and country and prosecute these groups.
OCAT often meets with local car dealerships to discuss ways to limit auto theft. We have been working to train
dealership personnel to spot ID theft and fraudulent documents. Dealership management's response has been
extremely positive, and the program is credited with stopping multiple potential fraud cases.
OCAT continues collaborating with investigative teams and Home Depot's nationwide head of security. It also
partners with insurance companies, the Michigan Department of State, SOS, rental companies, and other law
enforcement agencies in an effort to identify new trends, patterns, suspects, and continually changing methods.
OCAT continues to partner with KIA to distribute free Wheel locks to any Hyundai or Kia owner.
Have you conducted any community outreach, presentations, or training that would help reduce motor
vehicle theft/fraud in your jurisdiction? If so, what impact has it had?
The OCAT team conducts training sessions with every newly hired or promoted Deputy within the Oakland County
Sheriff's Office. During the training, the deputies are taught ways of identifying potential stolen vehicles and what
to look for while on patrol. This means new deputies actively search for the signs and indicators they are taught,
rather than waiting to be dispatched. In addition, OCAT assists with auto theft awareness at the OCSO Citizens
Academy. The auto theft awareness course identifies how certain vehicles are targeted and how individuals can
protect their property. These concepts have helped educate citizens to become more conscientious of what they
can do to avoid being a victim of Auto Theft and /or fraud.
2. Program Goals and Objectives
Please list any training or equipment you have received from the ATPA in FY 2025. Please include any metrics
or benefits it provided your team.
Some OCAT team members are scheduled to attend the Auto Theft Conference in June in Nashville, TN. These
conferences offer an invaluable amount of auto-theft-related training and the opportunity to network with Auto
Theft teams nationwide. This highly specialized training is only offered at these conferences and is critical in
molding solid investigators.
Some OCAT members also attended covert surveillance training, interview and interrogation, basic detective
bureau, and Michigan Association of Vehicle Theft Investigators (MAVTI) courses.
Drone software was renewed with FY2025 ATPA funding. The drones have allowed us to conduct surveillance
without being detected. They have been deployed during major theft operations, helping us locate suspects and
providing overwatch during search warrants.
(5) Flock quick-deploy cameras were renewed. These cameras have worked well. We are able to locate and
relocate them into different problem areas and increase plate reads in those areas. These cameras have been
directly responsible for the stop and arrest in multiple cases. The Flock enhanced search capabilities allow
investigators to search by color, model, bumper stickers, and roof racks in addition to plates. This has become vital
to daily investigations.
(4) Tacti Track GPS trackers were renewed. GPS trackers are critical for locating a suspect or a stolen vehicle, and
we use them regularly.
The Vigilant LPR investigative database and annual license fees for mobile and deployable cameras were renewed.
The expansive database provides investigators with a great resource for searching. Vigilant cameras are deployed
throughout the county and continue to provide real-time data in each area.
(2) TYR tactical vests and belts with pouches were purchased. Once received, these vests will go to our new team
members. They will offer the level of protection needed when executing felony search warrants.
What were your goals for the previous grant period, and did you achieve them? If yes, please provide data for
your response. (For grant recipients from the prior year only.)
Unfortunately, our goal of utilizing the bait trailer and bait motorcycle went unmet. This was largely due to the
continued rewriting of policies and procedures regarding these tools. Time was also a contributing factor. Higher
priority cases took precedence over the deployment of these tools.
OCAT increased proactive investigations into Identity theft and fraudulent vehicle purchases. It was also
successful in making dealerships aware of these types of fraudulent activities through dealership meetings and
awareness meetings with the Detroit Auto Dealers Association.
OCAT increased its number of recoveries and arrests through the use of stationary and mobile LPRs.
The use of LPRs has helped in investigations and prosecutions. LPRs provide investigators with real-time locations
of stolen vehicles and trackable information to help locate and recover these vehicles and arrest those involved in
the theft. LPRs are one of the most successful tools now used in almost every theft investigation
Identify new goals for the FY 2026 grant period and how you plan to attain the stated goals.
For FY 2026, OCAT will reduce the number of motor vehicle thefts related to car dealerships. OCAT detectives will
actively work with dealerships and car companies in the Metro Area, continuing to educate them on current trends
in theft and fraud related to the car industry.
OCAT will increase the number of proactive arrests made by detectives. OCAT detectives will work varying hours
using investigative techniques to secure warrants for crimes that occurred in communities and apprehend
suspects during in-progress crimes.
OCAT will increase the number of arrests and recoveries involving heavy equipment by working with the
representatives of the large box stores that rent it.
OCAT will utilize the bait trailer and bait motorcycle for proactive investigations.
Identify significant accomplishments during the current grant year.
An armed carjacking occurred in Southfield. A suspect with a rifle took a car at gunpoint. OCAT detectives in the
area were able to track the car using OnStar. The vehicle was located by Southfield patrol units and stopped. The
driver of the vehicle fled on foot with the rifle in his hand. The driver was struck by a patrol vehicle, dropped the
rifle, and was taken into custody. OCAT secured video of the incident, gathered witness statements, and obtained
an ID of the suspect. This case was presented to the prosecutor’s office and resulted in numerous felony charges
being issued.
Huntington Woods contacted OCAT for assistance with a stolen Ford Expedition. OCAT detectives located the
vehicle using Ford Pass. OCAT detectives worked with the Detroit Police Department to arrest three suspects
involved in this crime. This arrest led to the recovery of the stolen Ford out of Huntington Woods and the recovery
of an additional vehicle that was freshly stolen out of Southfield.
The owner of the local Kia dealership in Southfield requested assistance from OCAT with an ongoing theft problem
at his dealership. OCAT and Southfield TCSU set up surveillance on the dealership. While on surveillance, four
subjects appeared in a stolen car, went onto the lot, and attempted to steal vehicles. The surveillance units took
all the subjects into custody and charged them with UDAA.