For further information please contact: Capt. J. Tim Hull
(573) 526-6115
6075
June 29, 2007
EMPHASIS: Commercial Vehicle Officers Protect And Serve

Colonel James F. Keathley, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, would like to make the public aware of commercial vehicle enforcement activity from January 1 through May 31, 2007. The Patrol takes pride in protecting and serving the citizens of Missouri, and making the highways safer is one aspect of fulfilling that mission. Every day, all across the state, commercial vehicle officers inspect trucks and drivers to ensure both are in compliance with federal regulations and state laws.

There are 133 commercial vehicle officers assigned to 24 scale houses and 27 portable units. During the first five months of 2007, commercial vehicle officers performed 27,192 inspections, resulting in 70,490 violations (truck and driver) being detected. Of those violations, 17,262 were considered “out of service” violations, thus, 6,737 vehicles and 2,924 drivers were placed out of service.

When a vehicle condition or driver violation reaches a critical level, one or both may be placed out of service. Commercial vehicle officers remove drivers who are under the influence of fatigue, alcohol, or drugs. When a driver is placed out of service for drugs or alcohol, he or she must be off the road for 24 consecutive hours.

From January 1, through May 31, 2007, commercial vehicle officers assisted with 30 felony warrant arrests, seven felony arrests (unlawful use of a weapon, theft of an interstate shipment, stolen tractor, assault), and the apprehension of three people for immigration violations. Commercial vehicle officers are trained in drug interdiction and are consistently successful in removing illegal drugs from Missouri’s roadways. Commercial vehicle officers were directly responsible for the seizure of 1,856 pounds of marijuana and 382 pounds of cocaine. They also assisted with five arrests for possession of methamphetamine.


“In the 1980s, there were 300,000 motor carriers in the United States,” said Colonel Keathley. “Today, there are 700,000. The Patrol’s commercial vehicle enforcement program is important and it works. I’m proud of the work our commercial vehicle officers perform. They apply their training every day and work to make Missouri’s roadways safer for all drivers.”

The newest additions to the commercial vehicle enforcement program are the commercial vehicle enforcement trooper specialists (CVETS). There are teams in Troop F, Jefferson City, and Troop D, Springfield, with plans for additional teams in other areas of the state in the coming months. The commercial vehicle enforcement troopers retain the normal duties of a road trooper, however, their primary duties include enforcement of commercial vehicle and special mobile equipment hazardous moving and safety laws, administrative orders, rules, and regulations.

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