CATPA came into existence in 2004 through the efforts by the Colorado Auto Theft Investigators, www.coloradoautotheft.org a not-for-profit organization of auto theft investigators in Colorado, over the concern with the increase in motor vehicle thefts in the state and the diminishing attention and commitment toward strategic investigation, enforcement and prosecution of these crimes.

Legislation in 2003 permitted "voluntary" funding for the purpose of creating the CATPA. Over the next four years that one-time funding influx of approx $700,000, from State Farm, Progressive and other insurance companies was used for investigative, enforcement, public awareness and law enforcement training programs. The results included several part-time multi-agency task forces that accelerated investigative and enforcement efforts on repeat and professional criminal offenders. These efforts resulted in an increase in stolen vehicle recoveries and criminal prosecutions of hard core and major organized criminal groups. Also achieved through these efforts were significant reductions in state-wide auto thefts in 2006 and 2007.

In 2008, SB-60, authored by Senator Betty Boyd, was passed by the legislature and signed by Governor Bill Ritter. This bill provides CATPA with permanent funding, $1 per insured vehicle each year until the Sunset review in 2018. As a result CATPA has ten years of steady funding of approximately $3.5 million each year for motor vehicle theft investigation, prevention, enforcement, prosecution and training.

CATPA Success Stories:

CATPA grants have funded several part-time multi-agency task forces that accelerated investigative and enforcement efforts on repeat and professional criminal offenders.  These efforts resulted in an increase in stolen vehicle recoveries and criminal prosecutions of hard-core and major organized criminal groups.  Also, achieved through these efforts were significant reductions in statewide auto thefts in 2006 and 2007. Some CATPA grant success stories:

The Denver Metro Auto Theft Team (DMATT)

This Team is comprised of 14 law enforcement agencies from the Denver Metropolitan Area including the Colorado Attorney General's Office, Department of Revenue, and State Parks. This task force has recovered a total of 373 stolen vehicles valued at $4 million, investigated 22 chop shops, inspected 56 businesses, and arrested a total of 189 persons on automobile theft-related charges.

The Regional Auto Theft Team of Northern Colorado (NCRAT)

This is a collaborative effort among ten law enforcement agencies in Northern Colorado.  To date this task force has recovered a total of 235 stolen vehicles valued at $2.6 million and arrested 98 persons on auto-theft related charges.  Additionally, the team members have provided automobile theft training to 151 officers.

Metropolitan Reduce Automobile Theft (RAT)

This partnership is comprised of the Colorado Springs Police Department, the El Paso County Sheriff's Office, and the Colorado State Patrol who are working together to reduce automobile theft in the Colorado Springs area. The success of this multi-jurisdictional group has led to 48 felony arrests and 79 recovered stolen vehicles.

Roaring Fork Valley Task Force

Located on Colorado's Western Slope, this task force is comprised of the eight law enforcement agencies in the Glenwood Springs/Aspen area.  To date this task force has recovered a total of 149 stolen vehicles valued at $1.6 million and made 40 arrests for auto theft related crimes.

Project "Gotcha"

Washington County Sheriff's Office received funding to purchase a Global Positioning System (GPS) device to combat the theft of farm machinery and construction equipment in Colorado's northeast corner.