Department of Justice Should Explore the Feasibility of a Uniform Identification System for Marking Personal Property

Gao ID: GGD-79-54 April 25, 1979

The growing incidence of property thefts prompted a survey of Operation Identification, a program designed to deter such crimes.

The results of the survey, which was done in New York State and at federal agencies in Washington, D.C., indicated that the program is being extensively implemented. However, it was noted that the numerous types of identifiers being used to mark personal property are hampering efforts to return stolen property to its owners. Law enforcement officials repeatedly stated that a single, unique identifier, or a system of identifiers, would increase the return of property and enhance other police operations. The development of such a system has not been pursued by any federal agency.

Recommendations

Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.

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