In 1986, Michigan legislature established ATPA to form a coalition between government agencies and the private sector to fight auto theft. This coalition includes multi-jurisdictional law enforcement task forces, prosecutors, neighborhood groups, and insurance companies.

To fund the ATPA, insurance companies collect one dollar from each non-commercial private passenger vehicle insured in Michigan and annually passes the funds along to the ATPA. The authority then provides grants to selected auto theft units throughout the state to help protect citizens from the crime of auto theft.

HEAT® works closely with the ATPA grantees by encouraging citizens to support law enforcement by reporting auto theft related information. HEAT® offers rewards for accurate information. Information, which is received at the confidential HEAT® tip line (1-800-242-HEAT), is then appropriately funneled to police agencies throughout the state.