The Phenomenon of Identity Theft

This research is a descriptive study of the prevalence of Identity Theft in the Commonwealth of Kentucky from 2004 to 2009 and the procedures used by the Kentucky State Police to deal with this crime. The data for this study is a combination of violation code use retrieved from Kentucky\u27s Open Portal Solution (KYOPS) and complaint and case data retrieved from Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD). By gathering data from each of the 16 posts across the state of Kentucky, an evaluation of the prevalence of the crime of Identity Theft yields conclusive results. KYOPS Violation Code data showed a progressive climb and peak in the mid 2000\u27s but has since continually declined. KYOPS Case data showed a progressive climb and peak in the mid 2000\u27s but has since continually declined. KSP CAD complaint data has, since installation in 2004, showed a progressive climb in complaints. Of all complaints made no more than 20% will result in an arrest and about 43% will have a case opened on them. In conclusion, the results show a continual climb in the prevalence of complaint data, meaning the amount of complaints of identity theft continue to rise. However, the amount of criminals charged with the crime, and the amount of Kentucky State Police cases opened are continually declining. Further research may reveal the reasoning behind this phenomenon