This award recognizes a state, local, tribal or federal government authorized NMVTIS Law Enforcement Access Tool (LEAT) user (this may be an individual or task force/group) who has demonstrated excellence in completing an investigation related to NMVTIS violations and/or in the use of the LEAT as a tool to further an investigation of motor vehicle related crimes.

This award is presented at the international level.

Each agency/organization may submit only ONE entry.

Criteria for selection:

• Demonstrated diligence in conducting a NMVTIS investigation by compiling facts and evidence that support successful prosecution
• Exemplary use of NMVTIS LEAT at a high level with measurable results
• Going above and beyond to share knowledge, resources, and information related to a NMVTIS investigation or use of NMVTIS LEAT in gathering pertinent information that enhances an investigation

This award is open to AAMVA jurisdiction members and to non-members. 

2024 Winner

California Highway Patrol

Northern Export and Recovery (No. FEAR) Team

The Northern Export and Recovery FEAR team (comprised of Sargeant Joshua Smith, Investigator Ross Crown, Investigator Joseph Ratto, Investigator Jason Austin, and Investigator Cosimo Burno) established a working group within the Bay Area comprised of multiple agencies and federal partners to take a proactive approach to investigating and recovering stolen vehicles. The primary objective of the No. FEAR program is to investigate economic automobile theft and to provide a direct response to investigate and interdict the exportation of stolen vehicles. Using the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), private sector partners, and the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), the No. FEAR team established best methods of practice for investigating a VIN switched vehicle and assisting with the training and education of allied agency partners. Since the trend was in the Bay Area, the No. FEAR team has identified approximately 300 vehicles registered within the Bay Area and other cities across the United States. They have assisted with and are responsible for the recovery of approximately 125 stolen vehicles with a recovery amount estimated at over 12 million dollars, the arrest of 20 suspects, the recovery of 18 firearms, and the seizure of thousands of dollars. The NMVTIS program has proven to be a valuable and essential tool to carrying out the mission of the No. FEAR team and is crucial when investigating VIN switched vehicles. Every day, the No. Fear team continues to combat the crime of vehicle theft with innovation, tenacity, and partnership. Finding new and inventive ways to use tools like NMVTIS allows investigators to continue to recover stolen vehicles and bring even the most sophisticated thieves to justice. Their work continues to enhance the reputation of the department its role as the primary authority for vehicle theft investigations in the State of California.