SAN LEANDRO POLICE
DEPARTMENT
Police Bait Car Program
- Catalytic Converters
Bait Car Operations
Simple
Police surveil stationary car containing valuables
Lock offender inside the vehicle
Elaborate
Tracking devices monitor vehice location and movement
Fuel cutoff switches
Parts marking
Audio/video recording
SAN LEANDRO POLICE
DEPARTMENT
Goal
SAN LEANDRO POLICE
DEPARTMENT
Deter
Use robust outreach to publicize the program (Sallybanks, 2001) Apprehend
Arrest and prosecute those who have taken the bait
Considerations
SAN LEANDRO POLICE
DEPARTMENT
Staff
One supervisor; officer(s); patrol redirected to bait vehicle activations Efficacy Research findings
Criminal prosecution considerations
Risk Management
Minimize harm
Early Adopter
SAN LEANDRO POLICE
DEPARTMENT
Recent Adopter
SAN LEANDRO POLICE
DEPARTMENT
New Legislation
SAN LEANDRO POLICE
DEPARTMENT
AB 1740
Recycler required to record the year, make, model,
and a copy of the vehicle title.
Prohibited from purchasing a catalytic converter
from a person who is not the verifiable owner
SB 1087
Prohibits the purchase of a used catalytic converter
other than from specified sellers and an individual
with proof of ownership
Recyclers can only buy from specified sellers
Potential Solutions
SAN LEANDRO POLICE
DEPARTMENT
Partner with local businesses to offer free or discounted catalytic converter etching/encasing
Enact a local ordinance to discourage theft/resale
Unlawful to possess without proof
Widely publicize our layered approach through varied
media platforms, pamphlets, newsletters, etc.
SAN LEANDRO POLICE
DEPARTMENT
Recommendation
Staff recommends we not execute a bait car program
but implement multi-pronged deterrents:
Work with local businesses to explore
free/discounted catalytic converter
etching/encasing
Adopt a local ordinance making it illegal to
possess/sell/purchase a used catalytic converter
Employ a broad awareness/education campaign
SAN LEANDRO POLICE
DEPARTMENT
References
Alpert, G., Kenney, D., Dunharn, R., Smith, W., & Cosgrove, M. (1996).
Police Pursuit and the Use of Force.
https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/pr/164833_part1.pdf
Newman, G. (2007). Problem-Oriented Guides for Police Response Guides Series. https://cops.usdoj.gov/RIC/Publications/cops-p134-pub.pdf Sallybanks, J. (2001). Assessing the police use of decoy vehicles. Great Britain, Home Office, Policing and Reducing Crime Unit.