Roll Call Training Bulletin - 2088

Roll Call Training Bulletin Produced by: Ofc Jared Robinet & Ofc Dan Mejorado Daniel Hahn , Chief of Police Prepared by: Of c Jeff Kuhlmann , PSU Volume 88 CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT Year to date reported theft of catalytic convert ers are over 1 ,200 and climbing, up from 2019’s 619 reported thefts. This type of theft is quick to commit and can be committed by anyone. Here are some patrol considerations when conducting investigations or enforcement involving catalytic converters. CUT OFF CATALYTIC CONVERTERS 594(b)(1) PC - $400 + Felony Vandalism: Always the best charge when a victim is present or located. The average replacement cost for a cut off catalytic converter is $1,500. In your report, consider includ ing the following verbiage : “Based on my training and experience, the cost to replace a cut off catal ytic converter averages $1,500.” Per District Attorney's instructions, if a suspect is found in violation of 594(b)(1) PC, additionally charge 487(a)PC Felony Grand Theft based on the knowledge that the average cost to replace catalytic converters is $1,500. Example – If you catch a suspect red‐handed with a cut off stolen catalytic converter and there is a victim , always charge the criminal statutes mentioned above. PC 664 CUT OFF CATALYTIC CONVERTER ATTEMPTS: If the suspect began to cut out but did not remove the catalytic converter completely , always charge Felony ‐ 664/594(b)(1) PC and 664/487(a)PC . Again, consider includ ing in your report: “Based on my training and experience, the suspect was trying to cut out the catalytic converter to steal it (use your observations to articulate why ). The average cost to replace a cut off catalytic converter is $1,500.” If you charge just vandalism, it could be filed as a misdemeanor, because it will cost under $400 to repair the cut on the exhaust pipe. An Attempt to Cut Off a Converter Example – If you catch a suspect that began cutting out a catalytic converter, but did not completely remove it, always charge Felony ‐ 664/594(b)(1) PC and 664/487(a) PC. In the case that a suspect is in the process of removing a catalytic converter that bolts in to place and does not require the exhaust pipes to be cut , these charges still apply if the cost to “fix” or replace the missing part meets the values outlined in the Penal Code. Consider calling the dealership or searching online for the value of the victim vehicle’s catalytic converter. UNBOLTED CATALYTIC CONVERTERS 496a PC Stolen Property: is a wobbler, charge the Felony ‐ 496a PC. An Unbolted COMPLETELY Removed Converter Example – If you catch a suspect red‐handed with a completely removed, unbolted (not cut off) catalytic converter, consider the charge Felony ‐ 496a PC if you are able to reasonably articulate the catalytic converter is stolen and the suspect has no reaso n to possess the part . Roll Call Training Bulletin Produced by: Ofc Jared Robinet & Ofc Dan Mejorado Daniel Hahn , Chief of Police Prepared by: Of c Jeff Kuhlmann , PSU Volume 88 10852 CVC UNBOLTED CATALYTIC CONVERTER ATTEMPTS If the suspect removed any bolts from the catalytic converter but did not remove the converter itself, conside r the charge Misdemeanor ‐ 10852 CVC Some Bolts Taken Off but the Converter has NOT been Removed Example – If you catch a suspect that unscrewed the bolts, but did not remove the converter, charge Misdemeanor ‐ 10852 CVC. PC 487 Grand Theft: Does not apply anymore. The store value amount for grand theft USED TO 466 PC BURGLARY TOOLS If the suspect was caught red handed cutting or unbolting a catalytic converter, always book associated tools and consider charg ing Misdem eanor – 466PC along with the other associated crimes . Again, consider i nclud ing in your report : “Based on my training and experience, I know these tools to be used in the theft of catalytic converters.” VC 10852 Tamper w/Vehicle: Do not charge, because it is just a misdemeanor. PC 487 Grand Theft: Does NOT apply anymore. The store value amount for grand theft USED TO BE $400 but it is NOW $950. The store values of all catalytic converters are under $950. SEARCHES / REPORT WRITING If conducting a search of a residence or an enforcement stop where a search is conducted, and you locate cut or unbolted catalytic converters (no work order, receipt or documentation of ownership for the converters are present), supply an SPD 779 Property Receipt and book the catalytic converters for safe -keeping and write a Metal Theft information report. In your report note the following: loc ation, vehicle(s), identify all parties, tools, condition of catalytic converters (cut/unbolted), and any reason given for possession of such items. Be sure to document the probable cause you observed to take possession of the catalytic converters. In the cases that you obtain consent to