OKALOOSA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
OKALOOSA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
Would you like to stop auto-theft in your community? Do you rarely drive your vehicle between the hours of 1:00 a.m & 5:00 a.m? If so... the Combat Auto-Theft Program called C.A.T is for YOU!
The Okaloosa County
Sheriff's Office is proudly initiating the Combat Auto-Theft Program (C.A.T)
here in our communities. C.A.T is a voluntary vehicle registration program.
Residents of a community voluntarily register their personal vehicles with local
law enforcement. Once registered, they receive a C.A.T. Program decal (pictured
above) to place in the lower left hand corner of the vehicle's rear window.
By displaying this C.A.T. decal, the vehicle owner gives law
enforcement officer's permission to do an investigative stop of the
vehicle, during the hours of 1:00 am and 5:00 am, to determine if the vehicle
has been stolen.
This program in no way restricts a private citizen from
legitimately using his/her own vehicle during those hours. However, statistics
show that a majority of stolen autos are either taken or being transported
during the early morning hours of 1:00 am to 5:00 am.
The Okaloosa County C.A.T. Program is a county-wide effort
supported by the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office and many local police
agencies. To register for the C.A.T. Program in Okaloosa County, you do not have
to be a resident; however, you must present a driver's license and vehicle
registration, which indicates you are the registered owner of the vehicle.
The C.A.T Program is successfully being used by many law
enforcement agencies around our state and across the nation. The Florida
Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the Florida State Legislature have
mandated and designed a standard C.A.T. decal to be used in Florida. This allows
for easy recognition of a C.A.T. Program participating vehicle in other counties
across the state. This means officers across the Panhandle to the Florida Keys
will be on the lookout for stolen autos, and the one they find may be yours!
C.A.T. Program Registration:
1. The Okaloosa County Combat Auto-Theft (C.A.T.) Program is free of charge.
2. You do not have to live in Okaloosa County, Florida, to participate.
3. You must possess a valid driver's license.
4. The vehicle must be owned by you.
5. You must register in
person with the Sheriff's Office at any District Station and bring your
driver's
license (or ID) and vehicle
registration.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office will also provide "group enrollment" at condominium locations, manufactured or mobile home parks, retirement facilities, etc. To schedule appointments or for information regarding this program, contact the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office C.A.T. Coordinator at 651-7410 or 609-2094.
What Do I Do If I Am Stopped?
1. Remain calm.
2. Turn on interior lights (law enforcement officers can see
you clearly).
3. Place both hands on the steering wheel unless directed
otherwise by the law enforcement officer.
4. Listen for and follow instructions given by the officer
over the officer's vehicle public address system.
5. Tell the officer if you have an emergency.
6. Present all information requested by the officer (driver's
license, registration, etc).
7. Remember, you volunteered for this program - - a stop says
it works!
What if I Sell My Car?
If you sell/transfer your vehicle, change your address or telephone number, or wish to withdraw from participation in the C.A.T. Program, you must immediately notify the Sheriff's Office C.A.T. Coordinator in writing at the following address:
Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office
C.A.T. Coordinator
1250 N. Eglin Parkway
Shalimar, Florida 32579
The vehicle owner must also fully remove the Operation C.A.T. decal from the vehicle.