Identity Theft: What Are Local Law Enforcement and Prosecutors Doing to Combat the Problem?*

"Orange County city police departments and the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Department work cooperatively to develop standardized public information materials, possibly modeled after excellent pamphlets that now exist, for use by all departments (Finding 4)". Judge Horn July 14, 2004 RESPONSE The Irvine Police Department agrees that providing public information materials to victims of identity theft can be extremely helpful. Several years ago, our detectives who investigate identity theft cases developed a comprehensive informational pamphlet that is given to each victim of identity theft. The pamphlet contains tips on identifying and preventing possible victimization, provides phone numbers for several important agencies and other valuable information. In addition, we are currently in the process of developing identity theft resource information that will soon appear on our website. We would agree that standardized materials for distribution by all agencies would ensure all victims of identity theft receive consistent, pertinent information. However, we believe our public information materials exceed the requirements recommended by the Grand Jury. We would gladly share our pamphlet with any agency interested in designing identity theft resource materials. FINDINGS 5. "Orange County city police departments and the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Department adopt a standardized identity-theft crime-reporting form, possibly modeled after forms now in use by several police departments (Finding 5)". RESPONSE The Irvine Police Department has developed and implemented a crime reporting form specifically for identity theft. This form is unique insomuch as it captures specific information relevant to the crime of the identity theft and in fact serves as an investigative tool for the officer or investigator utilizing it. We believe our form meets the necessary requirements for reporting identity theft, and we do not believe a countywide form is needed. Our form can be made available to other agencies in Orange County that may not have such a specific identity-theft crime report. Sincerely, Marca S' pad f. DAVID L. MAGGARD, JR Chief of Police DLM/mh Attachments City of Irvine Police Department Brochure with Additional information is available to view at the Orange County Public Law Library 515 North Flower Santa Ana, CA 92703 (Building 32, Civic Center Plaza) _ ---- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....