A new program to train truck drivers to watch for signs of potential crimes and homeland security threats while traveling the highways was launched by the Ohio Highway Patrol at a May 23 training session for a group of Wal-Mart drivers, which was held in a distribution center in Grove City, OH.
The truckers got tips on spotting and reporting different types of criminal activity, including impaired driving, human trafficking and homeland security concerns, according to report posted by the News-Herald of Ohio.
Truckers can be extra sets of eyes and ears for assisting the Patrol while doing their everyday jobs, Highway Patrol Superintendent Col. John Born pointed out.
A similar, federally funded program ended several years ago, according to Larry Davis, president of the Ohio Trucking Assn., who said the state effort helps fill the gap in training.