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All 50 states have some form of metals theft law on the books and yet the problem continues leading many to realize that laws themselves may not be the answer.  ReMA has promoted this message for years as well as the fact that the only proven method to tackle metals theft is through cooperation and collaboration among all stakeholders.  ScrapTheftAlert.com is a tool ReMA developed to encourage cooperation and is a major component of the industry’s effort to be recognized as part of the solution to metals theft.  The system operates in all 50 states and broadcasts alerts from law enforcement to recyclers within a 100 mile radius of the theft regardless of state and local jurisdictional boundaries.

Following several years of negotiations and outreach by local recyclers, Utah law enforcement has finally recognized the value of alerts and started a program similar to that of ScrapTheftAlert.com, though it did not extend beyond state borders.  According to ReMA members in the state and Rep. Draxler, the Utah alert system is coordinated through one particular department of law enforcement and has gained the support of state law enforcement and recyclers.  The buy-in and regular use of the alert system by law enforcement is crucial and is credited by recyclers in the state for the system’s success.  Representative Draxler is frustrated with the cross-border forum shopping of thieves who move to avoid detection and would like to see all the surrounding western states implement an alert system.

The CSG Annual Meeting in Anchorage was just the opportunity Representative Draxler was looking for to begin discussions on regional approaches to metals theft.  Utah is not a proponent of federal legislation and believes that the states are in the best position to address the subject.  Draxler believes that surrounding states could realize similar success as seen in Utah if they also embrace the value of a metals theft alert system for law enforcement. ReMA pointed out that use of ScrapTheftAlert.com is a requirement already on recyclers in several surrounding states such as Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona; however, only the state of Arizona has a law requiring law enforcement to use an alert system.  Without law enforcement use and support, the system is only half as good as it could be if all stakeholders participated, as demonstrated in the state of Utah.

CSG is one of the leading sources of research and analytical data pertaining to state government and legislative solutions.  Among the many resources it offers to state government officials, CSG has provided the legal expertise on multistate legislative solutions and facilitated numerous agreements, known as interstate compacts, on various subjects over the years.  During the meeting in Anchorage, Rep. Draxler requested that CSG staff research the possibilities of implementing an interstate compact with the western states on the subject of metals theft.  The ReMA Working Group on Materials Theft had explored the notion of interstate compacts but found that the likelihood a compact championed primarily by industry would be enacted was slim.  However, the interest of state legislators in such a regional approach may shift the tide if a common regional approach could be identified.  The use of ScrapTheftAlert.com may be such a solution, at least in the eyes of Rep. Draxler, but it must be a system that law enforcement is required to use.

While Representative Draxler’s initial idea was to share the Utah email alert system, upon discussions with ReMA about ScrapTheftAlert.com, he has indicated realization that other western states would likely appreciate a ready-made system like ScrapTheftAlert.com.  He also noted that regional success is dependent upon law enforcement in surrounding states embracing the alert concept.  As such, he wants to explore multistate legislation requiring law enforcement use of ScrapTheftAlert.com.

As ReMA continues its law enforcement outreach efforts, it is being careful to understand the needs and limitations of the law enforcement community.  ReMA encourages cooperation among stakeholders and is optimistic of the potential for a western regional collaborative approach that involves ScrapTheftAlert.com.  The possibility of a regional compact mandating all stakeholders use ScrapTheftAlert.com is something worthy of consideration, but should be fully vetted by those stakeholders involved.  ReMA is eager to work with Rep. Draxler and others to determine the viability of such a regional approach as part of the solution to metals theft.