Bill Overview
Title: Auto Theft Prevention Act
Description: This bill establishes a grant program and allows other grants to be used to combat auto theft and stolen automobile trafficking. Specifically, the bill directs the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services within the Department of Justice to award grants for state and local law enforcement agencies to combat auto theft and stolen vehicle trafficking. Grant funds must be used for specified purposes, including to purchase equipment, hire additional law enforcement officers, and provide resources and training. The bill also allows funds under the Community Oriented Policing Services grant program to be used to combat auto thefts and stolen automobile trafficking.
Sponsors: Rep. Sherrill, Mikie [D-NJ-11]
Target Audience
Population: People affected by auto theft
Estimated Size: 12000000
- Auto theft affects vehicle owners directly, as they are the victims experiencing financial loss and distress.
- Law enforcement agencies implementing these strategies will see an impact as they manage and adjust to new resources, training, and strategies.
- Car insurance companies and their policyholders might experience changes in policy rates due to a potential reduction in auto theft incidents.
Reasoning
- Auto theft is a specific issue affecting vehicle owners directly and indirectly impacts law enforcement agencies, insurance companies, and communities at large.
- The $250 million budget in year 1 needs to be distributed wisely among highly affected cities and states to make a significant impact.
- The policy is likely to have a notable impact on people in urban centers where auto theft rates are higher.
- Wellbeing scores will vary, reflecting direct victims of theft, potential future victims, as well as those unaffected.
- Insurance premium changes can have widespread effects on policyholders, potentially improving wellbeing if premiums decrease.
Simulated Interviews
teacher (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I worry about my car getting stolen since I don't have a garage.
- Even with insurance, it’s a hassle that impacts my daily life.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
auto mechanic (Houston, TX)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I’ve had tools stolen from my truck before, decreasing the risk would be huge.
- Extra law enforcement might make a real difference in this area.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 2 |
insurance claims adjuster (Chicago, IL)
Age: 43 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Reducing theft can lower claims, which might lower insurance costs in the long run.
- This policy could significantly help adjust our risk assessments.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
retired factory worker (Detroit, MI)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's stressful worrying if my car is still there every morning.
- The extra safety might let me worry less about theft.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
university student (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 24 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don’t really worry about car thefts since I don't own a car.
- It might be good for people who drive a lot, though.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
taxi driver (New York, NY)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Nighttime can feel more dangerous; any protection helps.
- Investing in safety could secure my livelihood by preventing theft.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 2 |
IT specialist (Seattle, WA)
Age: 31 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I pay extra for secure parking but still hear about nearby thefts.
- Funding for prevention might reduce their frequency.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
nurse (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Keeping my car safe ensures I can work without interruption.
- A reduction in theft could also lower my insurance costs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
small business owner (Miami, FL)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The threat of theft affects my business’s profitability and operations.
- This bill could save costs spent on current security measures and losses.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
real estate agent (Denver, CO)
Age: 46 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't worry much about theft personally, but I understand the need for such measures.
- It's good for maintaining the safety reputation of this area.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $250000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $300000000)
Year 2: $245000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $290000000)
Year 3: $240000000 (Low: $190000000, High: $280000000)
Year 5: $235000000 (Low: $180000000, High: $270000000)
Year 10: $225000000 (Low: $170000000, High: $260000000)
Year 100: $225000000 (Low: $170000000, High: $260000000)
Key Considerations
- The balance between immediate implementation costs and long-term savings.
- Potential decrease in vehicle insurance premiums affecting household expenditures.
- The scalability of law enforcement efforts and technological deployments across varied jurisdictions.