05-05 FRAUD & IDENTITY THFT INVESTIGATIONS

Unit Order:  05-05

Subject:       FRAUD & IDENTITY THEFT INVESTIGATIONS

PURPOSE

To establish procedures to ensure that all detectives and supervisors assigned to TRAP adhere to the same consistent guidelines and reporting procedures regarding fraud and/or identity theft investigations.  This order will mandate the supervisor to evaluate all fraud and identity theft investigations initiated by TRAP personnel to determine if the violation falls within the guidelines of this task force. 

GUIDELINES

DETECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES

Once a TRAP detective receives information regarding a fraud and/or identity theft investigation, they must do the following:

• Evaluate the level of cooperation by the victim to determine if they are willing to prosecute, or if their primary concern is only to recover the vehicle.

• Obtain all documents involved with the investigation.
• Refer to the Penal Code to determine if the facts of the investigation will apply to a violation of the law.
• Once approval is given by the team supervisor, document the theft on a CHP-180 and SH-AD 49.
• Consult with the deputy district attorney assigned to TRAP prior to initiating a search warrant.

TEAM SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES

When a detective requests approval to initiate a fraud and/or identity theft investigation, the team supervisor shall do the following:

• Evaluate the facts of the investigation to determine if a violation of the law has been committed.
• Take note of the case origin.