To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: JOE HOFFMAN, CHIEF OF POLICE
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APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH CARFAX, INC. FOR ENROLLMENT IN THE "CARFAX FOR POLICE PROGRAM" TO ALLOW FOR THE EXCHANGE OF VEHICLE-ONLY TRAFFIC COLLISION DATA AT NO COST TO THE CITY, FOR THE TERM SEPTEMBER 2, 2025 TO SEPTEMBER 1, 2026, WITH ANNUAL RENEWALS UNLESS TERMINATED
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Carfax, Inc. (Carfax) has been in business for more than forty years with the mission to ensure consumers have access to vehicle history information that may inform their car buying decision on matters related to safety and value of pre-owned vehicles.
The Carfax for Police Program aims to share data among law enforcement agencies as it relates to vehicle information. By enrolling, the Redondo Beach Police Department would share vehicle collision information with Carfax, and also have access to vehicle data shared by other law enforcement agencies. Police detectives and traffic investigators can use this shared data to help locate vehicles used in the commission of a crime, stolen vehicles, or hit and run incidents, making this a useful investigative tool for the Police Department. The City can terminate enrollment in the program at any time by written notice.
BACKGROUND
Carfax has compiled millions of vehicle records that include identifying vehicle information (Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), license plate, etc.), service and repair records, manufacturer recalls, and police-reported collisions. Carfax collects data from the Department of Motor Vehicles, insurance companies, auto mechanics, auto body and repair businesses, car dealerships, and participating law enforcement agencies.
The Carfax for Police Program was established more than fifteen years ago to improve data collection related to the nature and severity of vehicular collision events. By contracting with law enforcement agencies, Carfax can gather vehicle-only collision information utilizing a car's VIN. In return...
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