ISRI developed the ScrapTheftAlert system in 2008. Since that time, more than 24,000 users have registered with the system, of which nearly 10,000 are law enforcement officials.
While that number may seem impressive, consider that there are approximately 1,000,000 law enforcement officers in the U.S.; meaning 1 percent of all law enforcement officers in the U.S. are registered with the system. However, the number of individual law enforcement officers registered is not as important as the number of law enforcement agencies represented by registered users.
There are approximately 18,000 law enforcement agencies in the U.S., at the local, state, campus, tribal, and federal levels. A recent analysis of ScrapTheftAlert law enforcement users conducted by Salient CRGT, the vendor that operates the system, indicates more than 3,800 agencies have at least one member registered with the system; meaning nearly 21 percent of U.S. agencies are registered.
Why this matters: Of the 18,000 law enforcement agencies in the U.S., many have 10 or fewer officers. It only takes one officer in the agency to be familiar with the ScrapTheftAlert system should a metals theft case arise. Even in larger police departments such as Tampa (FL) PD, most alerts are submitted through one officer or crime analyst.
Be Aware: Having 21 percent of agencies represented is impressive, however there is still room for improvement and a need for ISRI members to push the ScrapTheftAlert.com system to local law enforcement counterparts. The system works as more success stories continue to be received. The latest involved the recovery of $175,000 in materials. It is also important for members to ensure those employees at scrap receiving points are getting the alerts and watching for stolen material.
For questions about metal or other materials theft, please contact
Brady Mills.
SPAN Main