Posted on 12/10/2009, 8:08 am, by mySteinbach

The Winnipeg Auto Theft Suppression Strategy (WATSS) was a finalist for the 2009 Centre for Problem-Oriented Policing Goldstein Award, Attorney General Andrew Swan, Winnipeg Police Service Chief Keith McCaskill and Manitoba Public Insurance president and CEO Marilyn McLaren announced.
 
“This recognition is a tribute to everyone whose ideas, dedication and professionalism made this unique partnership succeed beyond all expectations,” said Swan. “Working together, a serious crime has been curbed significantly, our streets have been made safer and justice comes more swiftly to those who offend.”
 
“Exceptional work has been done within WATSS and I am really glad to see that this has been acknowledged in such a meaningful way,” said McCaskill. “Auto theft is not just a property crime. It’s an important public safety issue that requires continued attention and we remain committed to addressing auto theft.”
 
“Manitoba Public Insurance’s immobilizer program is a key part of WATSS and we estimate the strategy has helped save our customers more than $102 million in claims, making it possible to reduce premiums for rate payers,” said McLaren.
 
The award is named for Prof. Herman Goldstein of the University of Wisconsin Law School. He conceived of and developed the theory of problem-oriented policing, which consists of innovative and effective policing projects that have achieved measurable success in resolving recurring specific crime, disorder or public safety problems faced by police and the community.
 
Since 2005, WATSS has reduced auto theft in Winnipeg by over 70 per cent, resulting in 9,000 fewer vehicle thefts and attempts in 2009 than took place in 2004. The result is improved safety on Winnipeg streets, reduced strain on police resources and substantial reductions in auto theft claims.
 
Keeping 9,000 vehicles from being stolen saved MPI approximately $25 million in claims in just one year, said McLaren.
 
Partners in the program said high levels of co-ordination and co-operation between partner agencies are critical to achieving success in the WATSS model.  Components of WATSS include intensive community supervision by probation workers, strict enforcement by the Winnipeg Police Service and its stolen auto unit, swift action in court through specialized Crown attorneys, compulsory vehicle immobilizers and programs for youth.
 
There were 44 submissions for this year’s award. WATSS was one of six finalists in the worldwide competition. The winner was the Chula Vista Police Department in San Diego County, Calif. Remaining finalists do not receive further rankings.
 
The last time a Canadian submission was selected as a finalist for the award was in 2002.