City of Garden Grove, California*

"Identity theft Sub-Task Forces are in place in 5 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". Agree with Finding - Orange County does not have an identity theft task force. Severe budget constraints countywide and manpower issues do not allow police agencies and the District Attorney's Office to commit officers, investigators and prosecutors to an Orange County task force on a full time basis. . Identity-Theft June 18, 2004

"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". Agree with Finding - Many county police agencies, the Orange County Sheriff's Department and the District Attorney's Office have produced informative booklets on what to do if your identity is stolen as well as prevention of identity theft by safeguarding personal information. Officers regularly provide these materials to victims when they report incidents of identity theft.

"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". Agree with finding - Many of the county's city police departments have specialized reporting forms that deal with identity-theft. The forms standardize the information obtained and help identity-theft victims report the crime. RESPONSE TO RECOMMENDATIONS "The Orange County District Attorney, the Orange