International Association of Auto Theft Investigators (IAATI)

Who is IAATI?

IAATI is a not-for-profit Association formed in 1952 to improve communication and coordination, among the growing family of professional vehicle crime investigators. It has become recognized as the peak industry body with members in 58 countries. IAATI recognizes that their most effective weapon to combat the vehicle crimes is cooperation. IAATI has actively pursued this by providing its members with an array of experiences, training and resources in areas such as technical developments, trends, intelligence information and investigative assistance. IAATI is dedicated to developing and encouraging the highest professional standards of conduct among auto theft investigators, while providing an infrastructure for those dedicated individuals to broaden their knowledge and develop the crucial business networks with local and international colleagues.

Membership is open to approved professionals involved in the prevention, detection, investigation or prosecution of all forms of vehicle related crimes. IAATI recognizes that just as law enforcement agencies cannot successfully function independent of one another. Vehicle crime investigation requires the active participation of the private sector, and therefore, membership also includes the insurance industry, manufacturers, car rental companies, registration and forensic/security specialists, etc.

How does IAATI contribute to the fight against fraud

IAATI provides continuous training, education, support to its members. Its international network of approximately 2,500 members worldwide, proves valuable in assisting with investigations, information or industry contacts.

IAATI also serves as a central source of information and advice to government and industry agencies, links to various industry workgroups and industries. IAATI members are able to participate in any of their training and education events anywhere throughout the world.

IAATI works with industry groups to help develop and modify standards, support legislation development, training for investigators and prosecutors, development of industry checklist/best practice guides, etc. For example, IAATI has partnered with the International Association of Financial Crime Investigators to develop guides and checklist for Auto Dealers covering Fraud Prevention and Awareness; INTERPOL to provide training around the world; support to US and Canadian authorities to review and update ULC/CAN S-338-98 Standard.

They also work closely with many industry groups through the following IAATI Committees:

• Auto Finance Committee
• Insurance Liaison Committee
• Manufacturer’s Liaison Committee
• Vehicle Cyber Crime Committee
• Counter Measures / Standard Committee
• Vehicle Crime Cross Border Committee
• Vehicle Identification Committee

Resources

Certification program: IAATI conducts a Certified Vehicle Crime Specialist Certification Program with the following objectives:

• To recognize qualified Vehicle Crime Specialists.
• To serve as a registry for qualified investigators and specialists worldwide.
• To promote excellence in training, education and in vehicle crime investigations
• To provide a system by which qualified investigators will be more easily recognized as “Experts” in the courts and elsewhere

Regular Training events and webinars – for dates see the individual chapter and branch pages on the IAATI website. Recordings of selected presentations from past training events are available on the members only section of the website.

Annual International Conference - The industry’s peak international conference each year for those involved in fighting vehicle crime. The annual Conference attracts leading professionals and experts from around the world. Upcoming International Annual Conferences.

International Network of members who are willing to provide assistance to fellow members.

Best Practice Guides

• Vertical Prosecutions
• Road Safety Solutions through Vehicle Hardening Programs
• Bait cars
• ALPR
• Vehicle Checklists
• Public Education and Awareness
• ATPA’s
• Auto Dealers Best Practice Worksheet and Checklist