2009 wsuta/iurpa conference criminal prosecution & powerful partnerships presented by jeff...
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2009 WSUTA/IURPA CONFERENCE2009 WSUTA/IURPA CONFERENCE
CRIMINAL PROSECUTION & CRIMINAL PROSECUTION & POWERFUL PARTNERSHIPSPOWERFUL PARTNERSHIPS
PRESENTED BY JEFF HARRISPRESENTED BY JEFF HARRISMISSOURI GAS ENERGYMISSOURI GAS ENERGY
2009 WSUTA/IURPA CONFERENCE2009 WSUTA/IURPA CONFERENCE
CRIMINAL PROSECUTION & CRIMINAL PROSECUTION & POWERFUL PARTNERSHIPSPOWERFUL PARTNERSHIPS
PRESENTED BY JEFF HARRISPRESENTED BY JEFF HARRISMISSOURI GAS ENERGYMISSOURI GAS ENERGY
Missouri Gas EnergyMissouri Gas EnergyMissouri Gas EnergyMissouri Gas Energy
Headquartered in Kansas Headquartered in Kansas City, MissouriCity, Missouri
Natural Gas distribution Natural Gas distribution Company (division of Company (division of Southern Union Southern Union Company )Company )
Serve aprox. 500,000 Serve aprox. 500,000 customers in 155 customers in 155 communitiescommunities
Headquartered in Kansas Headquartered in Kansas City, MissouriCity, Missouri
Natural Gas distribution Natural Gas distribution Company (division of Company (division of Southern Union Southern Union Company )Company )
Serve aprox. 500,000 Serve aprox. 500,000 customers in 155 customers in 155 communitiescommunities
Making the case for Making the case for Criminal ProsecutionCriminal ProsecutionMaking the case for Making the case for Criminal ProsecutionCriminal Prosecution
Criminal Prosecution is not a Goal – it is a progressive Criminal Prosecution is not a Goal – it is a progressive measure to be taken when activity dictates/persistsmeasure to be taken when activity dictates/persists
Criminal Prosecution is about Safety-not CollectionsCriminal Prosecution is about Safety-not Collections
Primary Goal – stop illegal/unsafe activity and serve as a Primary Goal – stop illegal/unsafe activity and serve as a deterrentdeterrent
Secondary Goal – recover lost revenue and prevent Secondary Goal – recover lost revenue and prevent future lossesfuture losses
Ultimate wins consist of legal, active customersUltimate wins consist of legal, active customers
Criminal Prosecution is not a Goal – it is a progressive Criminal Prosecution is not a Goal – it is a progressive measure to be taken when activity dictates/persistsmeasure to be taken when activity dictates/persists
Criminal Prosecution is about Safety-not CollectionsCriminal Prosecution is about Safety-not Collections
Primary Goal – stop illegal/unsafe activity and serve as a Primary Goal – stop illegal/unsafe activity and serve as a deterrentdeterrent
Secondary Goal – recover lost revenue and prevent Secondary Goal – recover lost revenue and prevent future lossesfuture losses
Ultimate wins consist of legal, active customersUltimate wins consist of legal, active customers
Develop a company Develop a company Prosecution PolicyProsecution Policy
Develop a company Develop a company Prosecution PolicyProsecution Policy
Understand that there is no such thing as an all-inclusive Understand that there is no such thing as an all-inclusive policypolicy
Policies can range from Zero Tolerance to pursuing only Policies can range from Zero Tolerance to pursuing only the “worst of the worst”the “worst of the worst”
Policy should include the handling and storage of Policy should include the handling and storage of evidenceevidence
Remember - the theft/restitution amount is for the time Remember - the theft/restitution amount is for the time frame of the theft onlyframe of the theft only
Understand that there is no such thing as an all-inclusive Understand that there is no such thing as an all-inclusive policypolicy
Policies can range from Zero Tolerance to pursuing only Policies can range from Zero Tolerance to pursuing only the “worst of the worst”the “worst of the worst”
Policy should include the handling and storage of Policy should include the handling and storage of evidenceevidence
Remember - the theft/restitution amount is for the time Remember - the theft/restitution amount is for the time frame of the theft onlyframe of the theft only
State court may be preferable –State court may be preferable –but not always possible.but not always possible.
State court may be preferable –State court may be preferable –but not always possible.but not always possible.
Case load – “Property Crimes” are not always a Case load – “Property Crimes” are not always a prioritypriority
Monetary requirements – Statute may say one Monetary requirements – Statute may say one thing, reality may be another.thing, reality may be another.
Arrest record / prior convictions may be a Arrest record / prior convictions may be a determining factor.determining factor.
Case load – “Property Crimes” are not always a Case load – “Property Crimes” are not always a prioritypriority
Monetary requirements – Statute may say one Monetary requirements – Statute may say one thing, reality may be another.thing, reality may be another.
Arrest record / prior convictions may be a Arrest record / prior convictions may be a determining factor.determining factor.
Don’t overlook the value and Don’t overlook the value and accessibility of Municipal Courts.accessibility of Municipal Courts.
Don’t overlook the value and Don’t overlook the value and accessibility of Municipal Courts.accessibility of Municipal Courts.
Charges may be filed at the scene.Charges may be filed at the scene.
Warrants can be issued based on a Police Report.Warrants can be issued based on a Police Report.
Minimal amount of time and expense to the Minimal amount of time and expense to the company to pursue. This can be a “one-person company to pursue. This can be a “one-person operation”.operation”.
Municipal Prosecution typically results in a quicker Municipal Prosecution typically results in a quicker disposition.disposition.
Charges may be filed at the scene.Charges may be filed at the scene.
Warrants can be issued based on a Police Report.Warrants can be issued based on a Police Report.
Minimal amount of time and expense to the Minimal amount of time and expense to the company to pursue. This can be a “one-person company to pursue. This can be a “one-person operation”.operation”.
Municipal Prosecution typically results in a quicker Municipal Prosecution typically results in a quicker disposition.disposition.
Partner with Law Enforcement Partner with Law Enforcement and the Prosecutor’s Officeand the Prosecutor’s Office
Partner with Law Enforcement Partner with Law Enforcement and the Prosecutor’s Officeand the Prosecutor’s Office
Find out what their Procedures are.Find out what their Procedures are.
- P.D. – Who handles the cases?- P.D. – Who handles the cases?
- Who files warrants - P.D. or Prosecutor?- Who files warrants - P.D. or Prosecutor?
Tailor your investigations / paperwork to fit their Tailor your investigations / paperwork to fit their requirements.requirements.
Take their interests into consideration – is it really Take their interests into consideration – is it really necessary to call the Police out on every incident?necessary to call the Police out on every incident?
Find out what their Procedures are.Find out what their Procedures are.
- P.D. – Who handles the cases?- P.D. – Who handles the cases?
- Who files warrants - P.D. or Prosecutor?- Who files warrants - P.D. or Prosecutor?
Tailor your investigations / paperwork to fit their Tailor your investigations / paperwork to fit their requirements.requirements.
Take their interests into consideration – is it really Take their interests into consideration – is it really necessary to call the Police out on every incident?necessary to call the Police out on every incident?
Court ProceduresCourt ProceduresBe Persistent and ConsistentBe Persistent and Consistent
Court ProceduresCourt ProceduresBe Persistent and ConsistentBe Persistent and Consistent
Be patient if this is new territory. Sometimes, Be patient if this is new territory. Sometimes, Prosecutors and Judges have to be re-introduced Prosecutors and Judges have to be re-introduced to Ordinances.to Ordinances.
Have your ducks in a row before you ever enter a Have your ducks in a row before you ever enter a courtroom.courtroom.
Develop and earn the right reputation. Develop and earn the right reputation.
ALWAYS reinforce the safety issue.ALWAYS reinforce the safety issue.
Be patient if this is new territory. Sometimes, Be patient if this is new territory. Sometimes, Prosecutors and Judges have to be re-introduced Prosecutors and Judges have to be re-introduced to Ordinances.to Ordinances.
Have your ducks in a row before you ever enter a Have your ducks in a row before you ever enter a courtroom.courtroom.
Develop and earn the right reputation. Develop and earn the right reputation.
ALWAYS reinforce the safety issue.ALWAYS reinforce the safety issue.
Court Procedures – cont.Court Procedures – cont.Court Procedures – cont.Court Procedures – cont.
Don’t project a personal involvement.Don’t project a personal involvement.
Don’t use the system as a Collection Agency – Don’t use the system as a Collection Agency – follow through to the end.follow through to the end.
Notify the Court in advance if you can’t be there.Notify the Court in advance if you can’t be there.
Track Restitution Orders.Track Restitution Orders.
Don’t project a personal involvement.Don’t project a personal involvement.
Don’t use the system as a Collection Agency – Don’t use the system as a Collection Agency – follow through to the end.follow through to the end.
Notify the Court in advance if you can’t be there.Notify the Court in advance if you can’t be there.
Track Restitution Orders.Track Restitution Orders.
Criminal Prosecution “Final Thoughts”Criminal Prosecution “Final Thoughts”Criminal Prosecution “Final Thoughts”Criminal Prosecution “Final Thoughts”
Work with and within the System.Work with and within the System.
KNOW what it takes and be prepared.KNOW what it takes and be prepared.
Always reinforce the safety aspect.Always reinforce the safety aspect.
Most important of all – be CONSISTENT and Most important of all – be CONSISTENT and PERSISTENT!PERSISTENT!
Work with and within the System.Work with and within the System.
KNOW what it takes and be prepared.KNOW what it takes and be prepared.
Always reinforce the safety aspect.Always reinforce the safety aspect.
Most important of all – be CONSISTENT and Most important of all – be CONSISTENT and PERSISTENT!PERSISTENT!
The Power of PartnershipsThe Power of PartnershipsThe Power of PartnershipsThe Power of Partnerships
The measure of success is not whether you have a tough problem The measure of success is not whether you have a tough problem to deal with, but whether it is the same problem you had last year. - to deal with, but whether it is the same problem you had last year. - John Foster DullesJohn Foster Dulles
When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action steps. – goals, adjust the action steps. – ConfuciusConfucius
Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work. - work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work. - Vince LombardiVince Lombardi
The Lord gave us two ends - one to sit on and the other to think The Lord gave us two ends - one to sit on and the other to think
with. Success depends on which one we use the most. - with. Success depends on which one we use the most. - Ann LandersAnn Landers
PartnershipPartnership OpportunitiesOpportunitiesPartnershipPartnership OpportunitiesOpportunities
Look inward first – How can we help ourselves?Look inward first – How can we help ourselves? Revenue Protection; Credit and Collections; Account Revenue Protection; Credit and Collections; Account
Services/Phone Center; Field Personnel …Services/Phone Center; Field Personnel …
Communicate and educate each other on needs and Communicate and educate each other on needs and practicespractices Face-to-face meetings help to build relationshipsFace-to-face meetings help to build relationships Offer/request Training on each other’s dutiesOffer/request Training on each other’s duties Possibly develop new Policies and/or ProgramsPossibly develop new Policies and/or Programs
Reporting/notification; Locking Policies; Incentive Reporting/notification; Locking Policies; Incentive Programs etc.Programs etc.
Look inward first – How can we help ourselves?Look inward first – How can we help ourselves? Revenue Protection; Credit and Collections; Account Revenue Protection; Credit and Collections; Account
Services/Phone Center; Field Personnel …Services/Phone Center; Field Personnel …
Communicate and educate each other on needs and Communicate and educate each other on needs and practicespractices Face-to-face meetings help to build relationshipsFace-to-face meetings help to build relationships Offer/request Training on each other’s dutiesOffer/request Training on each other’s duties Possibly develop new Policies and/or ProgramsPossibly develop new Policies and/or Programs
Reporting/notification; Locking Policies; Incentive Reporting/notification; Locking Policies; Incentive Programs etc.Programs etc.
Partnership OpportunitiesPartnership OpportunitiesPartnership OpportunitiesPartnership Opportunities
Law EnforcementLaw Enforcement
Offer Training on Diversion Recognition/Officer SafetyOffer Training on Diversion Recognition/Officer Safety
Police Officers are “creatures of habit” – plant the Police Officers are “creatures of habit” – plant the seed of information, and you have more “eyes on the seed of information, and you have more “eyes on the street”street”
Learning their Policies and Procedures will streamline Learning their Policies and Procedures will streamline your effortsyour efforts
Law EnforcementLaw Enforcement
Offer Training on Diversion Recognition/Officer SafetyOffer Training on Diversion Recognition/Officer Safety
Police Officers are “creatures of habit” – plant the Police Officers are “creatures of habit” – plant the seed of information, and you have more “eyes on the seed of information, and you have more “eyes on the street”street”
Learning their Policies and Procedures will streamline Learning their Policies and Procedures will streamline your effortsyour efforts
Partnership OpportunitiesPartnership OpportunitiesPartnership OpportunitiesPartnership Opportunities
Housing Authority – Section 8 HousingHousing Authority – Section 8 Housing
Federal Regulations require all utilities to be on.Federal Regulations require all utilities to be on. Waivers allow for information sharing.Waivers allow for information sharing. Often the site of illegal hook-ups and Fraud.Often the site of illegal hook-ups and Fraud. Failure to comply can result in being terminated from Failure to comply can result in being terminated from
the Program for a minimum of 3 years (there is often the Program for a minimum of 3 years (there is often a 2+ year waiting list to re-apply).a 2+ year waiting list to re-apply).
Offer Diversion Recognition / Safety Training to Offer Diversion Recognition / Safety Training to Inspectors – especially valuable with basement meter Inspectors – especially valuable with basement meter locations.locations.
Housing Authority – Section 8 HousingHousing Authority – Section 8 Housing
Federal Regulations require all utilities to be on.Federal Regulations require all utilities to be on. Waivers allow for information sharing.Waivers allow for information sharing. Often the site of illegal hook-ups and Fraud.Often the site of illegal hook-ups and Fraud. Failure to comply can result in being terminated from Failure to comply can result in being terminated from
the Program for a minimum of 3 years (there is often the Program for a minimum of 3 years (there is often a 2+ year waiting list to re-apply).a 2+ year waiting list to re-apply).
Offer Diversion Recognition / Safety Training to Offer Diversion Recognition / Safety Training to Inspectors – especially valuable with basement meter Inspectors – especially valuable with basement meter locations.locations.
Partnership OpportunitiesPartnership Opportunities
The MediaThe Media
Contrary to a sometimes popular belief, Media is NOT Contrary to a sometimes popular belief, Media is NOT a 4-letter worda 4-letter word
The Evening News is a great, cost-free way to reach The Evening News is a great, cost-free way to reach a mass audience in a timely manner.a mass audience in a timely manner.
Be Proactive – not reactive!Be Proactive – not reactive!
Advice from an ExpertAdvice from an Expert
Do your researchDo your research Check out the Reporters Check out the Reporters
in your area.in your area. Ask around – who do Ask around – who do
people trust?people trust? Get a referral from Law Get a referral from Law
EnforcementEnforcement To tell a good story, you To tell a good story, you
need people.need people. You need to show how You need to show how
people are affected.people are affected. Offer a ride along.Offer a ride along.
Lara Moritz – KMBC-TV9Lara Moritz – KMBC-TV9 Kansas City, MissouriKansas City, Missouri
Media TipsMedia Tips
Contacting a ReporterContacting a Reporter If you have ever met them, contact them directly.If you have ever met them, contact them directly. If not, contact the Assignment Desk, Assignment Manager, If not, contact the Assignment Desk, Assignment Manager,
or Assistant News Director.or Assistant News Director.
Communication is key!Communication is key! Sit down and talk to the Reporter and Photographer before Sit down and talk to the Reporter and Photographer before
any video is shot.any video is shot. Be clear about what the message is.Be clear about what the message is. Don’t TELL the Reporter “how” to do the story.Don’t TELL the Reporter “how” to do the story.
Counterproductive.Counterproductive. Can create a hostile environment.Can create a hostile environment. Remember-They edit the story!Remember-They edit the story!
Media TipsMedia Tips
Follow-up / Maintaining contactFollow-up / Maintaining contact
If you feel the Reporter did a good job, call and tell them.If you feel the Reporter did a good job, call and tell them.
Pitch other story ideas to them.Pitch other story ideas to them.
E-mail articles to them.E-mail articles to them.
A good Reporter will keep your contact information and A good Reporter will keep your contact information and contact you for follow-up stories.contact you for follow-up stories.
They may need the ideas from you.They may need the ideas from you. Don’t be offended if they can’t be done immediately.Don’t be offended if they can’t be done immediately.
One last Safety MessageOne last Safety MessageOne last Safety MessageOne last Safety Message
Remember – Natural Gas and open flames don’t Remember – Natural Gas and open flames don’t mix!mix!
Remember – Natural Gas and open flames don’t Remember – Natural Gas and open flames don’t mix!mix!
Thank you for yourThank you for your time and interest time and interest
Thank you for yourThank you for your time and interest time and interest
Questions???Questions???
Jeff HarrisJeff Harris Loss Prevention InvestigatorLoss Prevention Investigator Missouri Gas EnergyMissouri Gas Energy (816) 360-5868(816) 360-5868 Jeff.harris@sug.comJeff.harris@sug.com
Questions???Questions???
Jeff HarrisJeff Harris Loss Prevention InvestigatorLoss Prevention Investigator Missouri Gas EnergyMissouri Gas Energy (816) 360-5868(816) 360-5868 Jeff.harris@sug.comJeff.harris@sug.com
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