On Tuesday, December 8, 2009 law enforcement auto theft investigators and NICB agents were allowed to enter the Los Angeles Auto Show held at the Los Angeles Convention Center from 0730 hours to 1100 hours for vehicle identification training.  It was the twentieth annual law enforcement training day, sponsored by Toyota, the National Insurance Crime Bureau and the Los Angeles Police Department, (CCDCAT). 

Refreshments were provided by Toyota and NICB in the West Hall lobby.  

The training is provided to allow vehicle theft investigators an opportunity to inspect new vehicle identification numbers.  The theme "IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT A GOOD IDENTIFICATION NUMBER LOOKS LIKE, YOU WON'T RECOGNIZE A BAD ONE" reflects the purpose and scope of the training. 

Some vehicle manufacturers' representatives were available during the event to provide assistance with the training by displaying their vehicles, providing verbal and/or printed information, and by answering questions.  The show also provides an opportunity for manufacturers' representatives to interact with law enforcement officers and NICB agents to review current vehicle theft problems, security issues and trends.

NICB Special Agent Mark Winter welcomed the early morning crowd to the Convention Center.  Mark opened his remarks by acknowledging all that assisted with putting together the 20th annual event.  Mark also acknowledged several other people who assisted in making the training possible.  

Please provide feedback regarding your experience at the training to Mark Winter.  It will be used in preparing the next Training taking place in 2010.  If you have any questions, or need additional information, please contact Mark Winter, NICB, at e-mail address mwinter@nicb.org or telephone (cell: 909-208-0845).

As a courtesy, Agent Winter attached a vehicle inspection form that you can use as a template for the vehicles you inspect this year.

Also attached is a short page to help explain transponder/immobilizer key systems.  The manufacturer representatives at the last show said that there were many officers unaware of the scope of the technology involved.
 
Downloadable files: Transponder / Immobilizers (55 kb large password encrypted Word .doc file) 
                               Vehicle Inspection Sheet (35 kb large password encrypted Word .doc file)

Both files are password encrypted.  The password was previously given out to law enforcement personnel.  If you need the password, please contact the Webmaster from your law enforcement agency email address.