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EVALUATION OF THE BLUE MAX PROGRAM

NCJ Number
13096
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 22 Issue: 2 Dated: (FEBRUARY 1974) Pages: 38-40
Author(s)
R M CHIARAMONTE
Date Published
1974
Length
3 pages
Annotation
OHIO STATE HIGHWAY PATROL INCENTIVE PROGRAM WHICH GIVES SPECIAL AWARDS TO PATROLMEN FOR DETECTING STOLEN VEHICLES.
Abstract
UNDER THIS PROGRAM EACH OHIO PATROL OFFICER WHO RECOVERS A STOLEN VEHICLE, MAKING AN ON-THE-SPOT APPREHENSION OF THE SUSPECT IS ISSUED A LIGHTNING BOLT DECAL FOR ATTACHMENT TO THE LEFT DOOR OF HIS PATROL CAR. FIVE RECOVERIES WITH APPREHENSIONS EARNS THE OFFICER AN 'ACE' QUALIFICATION, WHEREBY THE OFFICER IS ISSUED A NEW PATROL CAR FOR HIS OWN USE, SPECIAL ACE LICENSE PLATES TO BE DISPLAYED ON IT, AND A FRAMED CERTIFICATE OF QUALIFICATION. AT THE END OF EACH YEAR, THE OFFICER WHO RECOVERS THE MOST STOLEN CARS WITH APPREHENSIONS IS PRESENTED THE BLUE MAX AWARD (A GOLD AND BLUE EMBLEM), A SPECIAL CERTIFICATE, AND A RIBBON TO BE WORN ON HIS UNIFORM. HE IS ALSO PRESENTED WITH A NEW PATROL CAR WITH BLUE MAX LICENSE PLATES, EXCLUSIVELY FOR HIS USE. THROUGH WIDESPREAD COVERAGE BY THE MEDIA, THIS PROGRAM HAS FOSTERED HEAVY SUPPORT. UNDER THIS PROGRAM FILE CHECKS ARE MADE ON EVERY VEHICLE STOPPED BY THE OFFICERS. ONE PHASE OF THE PROGRAM INVOLVES THE RECOVER OF LUXURY AND HIGH PERFORMANCE CARS, WHILE ANOTHER IS CONCERNED WITH THE INSPECTION OF ALL VEHICLES BROUGHT INTO THE STATE FOR TITLING. DUE TO THE HIGH SUCCESS OF THE PROGRAM, OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES ARE ADOPTING SIMILAR MEASURES. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)