The ATPA was established in 1986 to reduce motor vehicle theft in Michigan. The ATPA provides grants on a competitive basis for programs to reduce motor vehicle theft. Grant funds cannot be used for any other purpose.
Although it may be difficult to measure the effectiveness of prevention, the ATPA has established this category to include programs that promote public awareness, provide public training in theft prevention measures and support prevention programs. Without prevention efforts and support from the public, law enforcement alone cannot effectively reduce auto thefts in Michigan. Statistics indicate that in four out of five cases of auto theft, owners have left doors unlocked; and in one out of five cases, keys have been left in the ignition. Public education campaigns and prevention training programs can increase individual awareness of the costs of auto theft, provide tips for the owners to assist in the prevention effort and demonstrate the savings that preventive measure can yield.
In an effort to assure maximum effectiveness and statewide coverage of a prevention campaign, the authority may give preference to applications covering multiple jurisdictions over applications from individual organizations. Examples of prevention programs that may be funded are:
- Programs that inform and educate the community about the automobile theft program through block club organizations, neighborhood watch programs and schools
- Programs to stimulate public awareness
- Programs to inform and encourage public participation in theft prevention and enforcement efforts
Eligible expenditures include:
- Regular salaries.
- Longevity costs.
- Fringe benefits (FICA, unemployment, workers compensation, retirement, life, medical, dental and vision insurance).
- Overtime hours. Hours must not exceed twenty percent of the total sworn employees budgeted salary/fringe amount. This amount is cumulative for the team and can be utilized at the teams' discretion. For grantees only paying overtime, this limit does not apply.
- Travel and meals. Travel outside normal territory, not to exceed $2,500 per employee/per year.
- Vehicle operation cost.
- Office space or utilities. Requires prior approval.
- Office furniture - Requires prior approval.
- Copier purchase/usage.
- Phone installation. Prior approval is required.
- Landline phone purchase/usage.
- Office supplies. Not to exceed $200 per year/per person.
- Investigative supplies for law enforcement agency (sworn employees only), not to exceed $300 per year/per person.
- Computer purchase. Prior approval is required.
- Cell phone purchase/usage. Prior approval is required.
- Motor vehicle theft-related association dues, including dues to the International Association of Automobile Theft Investigators and Michigan Association of Vehicle Theft Investigators.
- Training or conference for educational purposes relating to vehicle theft/fraud investigations. Prior approval is required.
Ineligible Expenditures (This is not an all-inclusive list. Prior approval is required for any expenditure(s) not listed below):