Please note: Nominations for the 2024 awards closed on July 1, 2024. Stay tuned for more information about the extraordinary agencies and individuals who were recognized this year!
Recognizing the Best
For decades, the HEAT program has been annually recognizing the extraordinary efforts of our federal, state and local law enforcement partners as they diligently work to help eliminate auto theft across the Commonwealth. To be considered for an award, nominees must demonstrate superlative efforts in at least two of the four key areas:
- Intelligence
- Prevention
- Enforcement
- Recovery
The HEAT Awards may also recognize several additional categories to include our private partnerships:
- Major Case Award
- Private Sector Award
- Public Outreach Award
A Level Playing Field
The HEAT Awards have been structured so larger agencies with more resources compete against comparably-sized agencies. Each award category is based upon the size of the population served by the agency. One agency and individual Winner will be recognized from each of these categories. Additional agencies and individuals may be honored as Finalists or Certificate of Merit recipients. The categories of population served are:
- Fewer than 5,000 people
- 5,001 to 20,000
- 20,001 to 100,000
- 100,000+
- Across the Commonwealth
Who Can Enter
The annual HEAT Awards are open to all federal, state and local Virginia-based law enforcement agencies and their employees who are engaged in the mission to help eliminate auto theft. Select private industry partners who actively combat vehicle theft are also considered. The HEAT Awards are typically presented each year at the Virginia Sheriff’s Association and/or the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police & Foundation annual conferences.
Nominations for the 2024 awards closed on July 1, 2024. For more information about the HEAT program, please visit our Contact Us page or email the HEAT program directly at VSPAutoTheft@vsp.virginia.gov.