Department of Insurance LATIFPA Conducting School Presentations in Shreveport

Released: September 15, 2009

The Department of Insurance Louisiana Automobile Theft and Insurance Fraud Prevention Authority (LATIFPA) will be conducting presentations at Hamilton Terrance Learning Center and Donnie Bickham Middle School in Shreveport on September 16. This public awareness program is designed to educate middle and high school students in Louisiana’s public and private schools about the consequences of auto theft and is presented through the use of two different curriculums, according to Commissioner of Insurance Jim Donelon. This program is sponsored by LATIFPA, a division within the Department of Insurance.

Commissioner Donelon said the auto theft program is offered through a one hour school curriculum that is presented by the LATIFPA staff. The program is being made available to schools in areas where there are high rates of juvenile auto theft and auto-related criminal activities. LATIFPA staff estimates approximately 5,000 students will participate in the program during this school year. To date, the program has been presented to over 8,000 school students throughout Louisiana.

“Research indicates that auto theft is a gateway crime that potentially leads adolescents to more destructive behavior,” said Commissioner Donelon. “This program explores the relationship among the parties involved when an auto theft occurs and the impact that theft has on the juvenile’s family, the individual victim or family of the victim, and the long-term effect this activity has on the community as a whole.” This program also encourages good driving habits and educates young drivers on how to prevent vehicle thefts, according to Commissioner of Insurance Jim Donelon.

LATIFPA will partner with insurance companies, juvenile court judges, local law enforcement agencies and school district personnel to expand this educational message on auto theft awareness and prevention.

School officials interested in learning more about the program should contact Denise Cassano, LATIFPA Director, at (225) 342-0819 or Kevin Smith, LATIFPA Assistant Director at (225) 219-0452 or you may visit our website at www.ldi.state.la.us/LATIFPA.