IAATI is a great organization and I certainly should say an International Organization when you take into consideration our five chapters, three branches and our Memorandum of Understanding with IAMI (International Association of Marine Investigators) and NAEC (North Atlantic Export Committee). We have people throughout the world and answers to many questions by just picking up a phone or reaching out via electronic mail. Our web site provides you with the connections to obtain information about training seminars, contacts and an area where you can request information, leave comments or assistance about any vehicle crime or investigation that you may need assistance with. The Chapters and Branches have access to legal and financial advice that may help guide you through any particular problem you may be involved in.

For the next year I will be driving the IAATI car (if you will) but as I have said before and will repeat this, IAATI is our organization and it will be only as good as we make it. I may be driving but, all of you are the passengers for this short ride. There are thousands of years of EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND WISDOM out there and that experience is only gathered by asking questions and/or sharing information.

September 1, I will be celebrating 40 years with my employer The Nassau County Police Department. Over those forty years I have acquired a thick skin so I don’t think you are going to hurt my feelings by giving some comment, direction or advice. Matter of fact that is what IAATI is all about. One of the most important things for IAATI to do is to pass the word that you should not be apathetic about auto crime. This is not just about stolen cars and insurance fraud. It goes a lot further than that. Apathy is the plague that stops us from thinking clearly about how serious this problem is. Public’s awareness will help our cause and people should be very aware about what is going on. We hear it all the time ‘WHATS THE BIG DEAL”, “IT’S ONLY A CAR”, “THE THIEF IS ONLY A JOY RIDER”, “THE INSURANCE COMPANY WILL PAY FOR IT”, and BOTTOM LINE “IT’S A VICTIMLESS CRIME”. This kind of attitude cannot be tolerated any longer especially when you see what is going on around our world. This can truly be represented by the deaths of many police Officers, soldiers and civilians which occurred just within the last few months. Please don’t loose your focus when out in the field and dealing with auto theft and all of its related crime especially when dealing with organized crime and terrorism.

In closing I want to take this opportunity to extend my gratitude to all of our employers, especially my employer, (Nassau County Police Department) as a whole for supporting I.A.A.T.I’s objectives and purposes. It is through employers like you, who realize the importance of our mission, allowing all of us to contribute to this very worthy cause and making our endeavors successful and recognized globally.

See you in Australia in 2008!

Respectively Submitted,
Robert E. Southard
IAATI President 2007-2008