The perception of law enforcement in America has changed since September 11. Americans realize safety can no longer be assumed, it must be ensured. Law enforcement agencies are being relied upon now more than ever. The Ohio State Highway Patrol is taking its role to ensure safety in Ohio very seriously.
Patrol officers were placed on heightened alert immediately following the attacks on September 11, and will remain on heightened alert indefinitely. "Heightened alert" means that troopers are paying extra attention to the behavior of individuals; security is increased in state buildings in Columbus, Toledo, and Cleveland; the number of troopers patrolling highways around Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, Dayton, and Youngstown is increased; and weigh stations are open 24 hours a day. As always, safety and security remain the top priority for the Patrol and troopers are continuing to provide assistance to citizens throughout Ohio.
Transportation safety is at the forefront of our nation’s attention since terrorists used commercial aircraft as weapons of mass destruction. The unprecedented use of airplanes has put all forms of transportation on notice for possible terrorist activity. This includes highway vehicles, and especially commercial trucks that transport potentially dangerous hazardous materials.
Soon after the September 11 attacks, the U.S. Department of Transportation requested enforcement agencies across the country to step-up inspection of motor carriers transporting hazardous materials. More than 100 Patrol troopers and motor carrier enforcement inspectors (MCEIs), who are federally certified commercial carrier inspectors, immediately began stopping most hazardous material motor carriers traveling through Ohio’s weigh stations, which are now open 24 hours a day. Troopers and MCEIs are also pulling over hazardous material trucks on our highways to perform roadside inspections.
Patrol inspectors are conducting North American Standard Inspection Level Three inspections on trucks marked with hazardous material placards. A Level Three inspection is an inspection of the driver, which consists of checking credentials, license, endorsement, shipping paperwork, destination, and the vehicle inspection report. This type of inspection typically takes less than twenty minutes.
In October, Patrol troopers and motor carrier enforcement inspectors conducted 8,988 commercial truck inspections, 6,978 or 77.6 percent of which were hazardous material inspections. By comparison, last year hazardous material inspections accounted for six percent of all commercial inspections conducted by the Patrol. The Patrol estimates that less than 10 percent of all commercial trucks traveling through Ohio contain hazardous materials.
Commercial motor carrier enforcement was enhanced earlier this year when Ohio installed PrePass at 15 locations. PrePass enables commercial motor carriers to electronically comply with federal and state safety and credential requirements without stopping at weigh stations. This enables enforcement to concentrate on carriers that are more likely to be non-compliant, including the highly sensitive hazardous material carriers.
In addition to maintaining and enforcing safety on our highways, Ohio law gives the Patrol the responsibility of providing security on state property. The Patrol has increased its security presence in several state buildings. Troopers continue to be visible and attentive to personnel in all state buildings, as well as to visitors in these facilities.
State mailroom employees have increased their surveillance, and the Patrol is investigating any suspicious letters or packages mailed to state buildings. The Patrol facilitated training for state employees regarding the safe handling of mail. State employees were instructed on how to identify suspicious packages and procedures for dealing with them.
The Patrol is dedicated to working with local and federal law enforcement agencies as situations arise regarding safety throughout the state. The Patrol is also working on precautionary measures with fire departments and emergency management agencies. In addition, Patrol troopers are working with local Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) offices in Ohio and Troopers have been assigned to serve as members on FBI Terrorist Task Forces.
The horrific attacks in New York City and Washington DC have affected us all. I believe we will continue to see increased security as a result of these attacks on our nation. I urge Ohioans to be patient and cooperative with the stepped-up enforcement and understand that these measures are being taken to ensure the safety of all Ohioans.
It’s about safety!