25-049 Vehicle Theft Award Program Procedures

The California Highway Patrol (CHP), in cooperation with the California State Automobile Association (CSAA), sponsors the 10851 Award Program for all California law enforcement agencies. This program was designed to recognize law enforcement officers’ superior efforts in the recovery of stolen vehicles and the apprehension of vehicle thieves. During a twelve-month period, uniformed officers who meet any of the following criteria will receive recognition:

White 10851 Award Pin (Levels 1 thru 4):

• Make six separate arrests of suspects in “rolling” stolen vehicles, or
• Recover 12 stolen vehicles of which a minimum of three must be “rolling” stolen vehicles, or
• Develop information which results in the identification of a theft ring resulting in the arrest of two or more suspects, and the recovery of at least 10 vehicles. 

Blue Master 10851 Award Pin (Level 1 thru 4): 

• Officers who meet the above criteria for the White 10851 Award Pin five times are eligible for the Blue Master 10851 Award Pin and will have this pin awarded in lieu of a fifth white pin.

Gold Lifetime Achievement 10851 Award Pin (Final 10851 Award): 

• Officers who meet the criteria for the Blue Master 10851 Award five times are eligible for the Gold Lifetime Achievement 10851 Award. 

Each officer qualifying for any of the above listed awards will receive a certificate in recognition of their achievements in vehicle theft. 

Department Plaque 

A plaque with the names of all Department recipients will be displayed at the SFPD Police Academy.

Requesting Awards 

To request a 10851 Award, please forward a memorandum and all supporting documents to the SFPD Burglary Unit via department e-mail: redacted

This memorandum should contain all pertinent information including the time period during which the officer accomplished the requirements for the award, the total number of stolen vehicles recovered, and the total number of persons arrested. Information on prior 10851 Awards that the officer received should also be included. It is not necessary to list individual case information or to attach supplemental details unless the officer is qualifying under the theft ring requirement.

For any additional questions about the 10851 Award program contact the SFPD Burglary Unit via Department e-mail:redacted

/s/
WILLIAM SCOTT 
Chief of Police

Per DN 23-152, all sworn & non-sworn members shall electronically acknowledge this Department document in PowerDMS within (30) thirty calendar days of issuance. Members whose duties are relevant to this document shall be held responsible for compliance. Any questions regarding this policy should be sent to [email protected] who will provide additional information.