Identity Theft: What Are Local Law Enforcement and Prosecuttors Doing to Combat the Problems?*

Identity Theft Sub-Task Forces are in place in five major population centers in California and are functioning to facilitate better communication, coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local law enforcement and public record-keeping agencies involved in prevention, investigation and prosecution of identity theft. Orange County does not have an Identity Theft Task Force or Sub- Task Force. Penal Code Section 933.05(a)(1) Collectively Orange County Law Enforcement should explore the funding methods that may be available to support the presence of a task force within the County. With proper funding the burden placed upon the individual agencies will be lessened and the agencies will be more inclined to participate. Something similar to the Auto Theft Task Force OCATT should be looked at.

The Orange County District Attorney's Office, Orange County city police agencies and the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Department provide some form of public information and resource materials outlining how one can prevent identity theft as well as corrective steps to take where identity theft has occurred. Penal Code Section 933.05 (a)(1) Currently we have no flyer or pamphlet information and now knowing that there may several vary viable existing forms we are prepared to accept one of the better and commonly agreed upon forms.

Eight city police agencies in Orange County have developed specialized identity- theft crime reporting forms that incorporate standardized terms and information formats. These forms can help identity-theft victims repair damaged credit history more quickly. Penal Code Section 933.05(a)(1) We currently do have a reporting form for particular crime but as may be the case would openly explore or work to come to a common agreement on a form that would be utilized by other local law enforcement with in the county to develop uniformity amongst all of the agencies. The following are responses to the recommendations section of the report in which the Grand Jury again asked for responses to sections 3, 4 and 5 of the report. The following responses are for the Placentia Police Department.