The Regional Pawn Database Sharing System, introduced in early 2005 after a two-year test pilot, was selected by the International Association of Chiefs of Police for an “Innovation in Information Technology” award. Since its introduction, the system has solved more than 450 cases of theft and assisted in the recovery of an estimated $4 million worth of stolen property in COG member jurisdictions.

Given its success, COG expects the pawn data system to serve as the beginning of a larger, long-term effort for COG jurisdictions to participate in data-sharing across the board.

Congressman Jim Moran (D-VA), who helped secured a federal grant for the system, spoke during a special presentation of the award during the COG Board's June Meeting.