I am honored to introduce myself as the newly elected president of the Southeast Chapter of the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators (SEIAATI). My name is Peter W. Lazear, and I bring 27+ years of experience with the Virginia State Police to this role. I am currently the proud, statewide coordinator for the Help Eliminate Auto Theft (HEAT) and Insurance Fraud Programs, overseeing the funding and training for more than 35 department members and countless law enforcement partners across Virginia. Much like with SEIAATI, together we are working to reduce the frequency and impact of motor vehicle theft and fraud in our community.
I want to thank everyone for their participation in our 2024 joint conference where we celebrated our chapter’s 50th anniversary along with the international organization’s 72nd. This event brought together a tremendous number of attendees, sponsors, and vendors in the bustling city of Orlando, Florida. I was particularly honored to represent the HEAT program as the only Emerald Sponsor, not only providing funding to the conference itself but also directly supporting the attendance of 24 additional Virginia law enforcement agencies.
Motor vehicle theft is an increasingly pressing issue, with statistics showing a troubling rise in incidents across the nation. Our organization is committed to combating this growing problem through education, collaboration, and innovative strategies. We aim to equip our members with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively investigate and prevent auto theft, while also advocating for policies that support law enforcement and community initiatives. Together, we can make a significant impact and enhance the safety of our communities.
My primary goal for my tenure as your president is to increase membership through the empowerment of our officers and board members. My hope is that by providing a distinct role, having clear expectations, and communicating regularly with our various internal stakeholders I will ultimately help those young (and not-so-young!) leaders rise to the top. The future of this organization is only promised by those willing to step up and serve so I challenge each of you to consider an elected or appointed position within this chapter.
Looking ahead, I am thrilled to announce that our next vehicle crimes conference will take place from June 1-5, 2025 in the vibrant city of Nashville, Tennessee. This event promises to be our best yet, featuring world-class auto theft training, exciting hands-on vendor demonstrations, and an evening social event at the Redneck Riviera that you won't want to miss. I encourage all of you to join us for what will surely be the best conference this chapter has ever organized.
I believe in striking a balance between work and play so when I’m not writing memos, meeting with insurance industry partners, allocating millions of dollars, speaking about vehicle theft prevention, or attending various meetings then you will find me riding my Yamaha FJR1300 sport touring motorcycle around the Appalachian Mountains. As a single father of two college students, I understand the daily struggles for our time and attention and the impact that vehicle crime has on families and communities. So, as you continue to serve your agencies, please remember that your mission is also to care for yourself and your families. Enjoy your time away from work, explore your faith, and strive to honor one another. Thank you for this opportunity, I truly look forward to the future of this chapter!
Best regards,
Peter W. Lazear
President, Southeast Chapter - IAATI