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Feb 1, 2011 12:00 PM

Inspectors from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are like to be more involved in roadside inspections of commercial vehicles, according to TSA officials.

Involvement in roadside inspections is part of the Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR) program that was developed several years ago by TSA, an agency within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). VIPR started in the aviation sector and has now been expanded into surface transportation.

”VIPR teams can be extremely effective, serving as a visible presence that is random and unpredictable,” says William Arrington with TSA. “VIPR teams are an essential part of protecting highway transportation vehicles and other critical infrastructures.”

Arrington adds that VIPR teams normally will be accompanied by a uniformed highway enforcement officer. VIPR team members may or may not be in uniform, but they will carry DHS credentials.

At this time, VIPR operations are only conducted at weigh stations and rest areas, according to Arrington. However, truck stop operations are being considered. He says VIPR teams are not conducting inspections at loading locations, delivery sites, and terminals. Carriers will receive no followup or confirmation following a VIPR-involved inspection.