Proposal for NW region – Marking of vehicles where the original identity has been erased, altered or obliterated.
History
In 2011, The North West Regional Police Services* explored the need for a programme to charge insurance companies for the marking of vehicles that have had the original manufacturers marking erased, altered or obliterated.
The proposal was a direct result of the ‘Specialist Vehicle Examination Charging Policy’ document written by DC Ian Elliot, Stolen Vehicle Unit, Metropolitan Police Service.
This report requested that the ACPO and the Acquisitive Crime Board investigate the creation of a National Pricing protocol which allows a cost recovery income stream for police auto crime examinations and allows these examinations to be undertaken in a correct manner.
As a result of the NW meeting, members decided that a need was present to explore the current marking scheme (POLexam) and identify possible flaws and recommend a robust, comprehensive and modern method of marking vehicles. As a result, a new scheme for marking vehicles has been produced, trailed and implemented.
Current POLexam scheme
The current scheme is well established and utilised throughout the UK by Police forces, Port Authorities and other authorised bodies.
The I.S.R. or The International Security Register administers a secure database on which details of marked vehicles are registered and monitored. The I.S.R. operate a 24-hour, 365-day telephone access service. Officers using the telephone service are encouraged to log their details with the I.S.R. prior to conducting a vehicle check to speed up the process. The current system of holding information, gaining access to the information and officer approval is tried and tested.
When a vehicle is examined and its identity has been altered or removed, the examiner can mark the vehicle with a set (6) of small vinyl stickers that contain an individual alphanumeric code and the I.S.R. telephone number. Although this system is tried and tested, the current stickers fail in the ability to withstand dirt and direct cleaning (jet wash). These stickers are placed 2 overtly, 2 covertly, 1 on the vehicle examiners papers and the remaining 1 forwarded to the I.S.R. register. In light of the new charging policy it was felt that the current system lacking the robustness and longevity required and that a more up-to-date technologically advanced system should be introduced.
This scheme is a free service provided by ISR Retainagroup which includes the Polexam kit and registration.
New Format Polexam Scheme
A full protocol has been designed and approved via the UK Police Vehicle Examiners. Many forces have chosen to remain with the existing scheme as it is a free service and many forces have a number of existing kits in stock.
Working in conjunction with the I.S.R., we have developed a new suite of stickers and marking methods to provide a robust, high-tech answer to the current system.
The new pack contains:
1 Main POLexam sticker containing details of alphanumeric code, telephone number and instruction to the reader
5 Ultra-destruct UV labels with ISR telephone number and alphanumeric code
2 Vinyl templates with ISR telephone number and alphanumeric code
1 applicator and 1 pot of UV reactive marking fluid
2 paper labels with alphanumeric code
The ultra-destruct UV labels are designed to shred if anyone attempts to remove them. Therefore preventing stickers from being transferred to another vehicle. They also leave a UV (Ultra-violet) image of the alphanumeric code and telephone number that cannot be seen (when the sticker is removed) with the naked eye and is only visible under UV light.
All new scheme Polexam’s can be recorded on an online registration scheme, giving officers access 24/7 365 days a year. This new system on line replaces the out dated system of paper documents being posted to Retainagroup.
The new scheme, is well known within UK Police forces and this new style sticker will:
· Prevent vehicles from being de-identified and released causing re-examination issues wherever the vehicle should be located.
· All information is held by ISR Retainagroup, thus reducing the need to speak with the examiner. This is a 24hr service.
· Providing a modern trusted, robust scheme that is known, tried and tested.
· Quicker registration and storage by ISR Retainagroup, offering speedy response to officers at the roadside.
· Reduces Insurance industry issues when reselling a vehicle on to a new keeper.
· A new comprehensive protocol has been written and offered and approved by Vehicle Examiners – the old scheme is out dated.
The cost of each new Polexam pack is £3.46 including P+P and VAT.
In 2017, ISR Retainagroup delivered 290 kits to individual UK police force ad 210 have been assigned to individual vehicles.
The 2017 overall cost for UK polices, if this is rolled out country wide, would have been £726.60.
Auditing of new scheme
The new system has been trailed since 2011 by GMP and Devon and Cornwall Police. A number of small changes have taken place to streamline this area of work. We now have a robust, tested scheme to adhere to.
Document written by
Pete Wilson
Vehicle Examination Unit - Supervisor
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