Drivers asked to help with security

Jace Radke

Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2005 | 9:39 a.m.

The Nevada Department of Public Safety is looking to drivers of taxi cabs, limousines and commercial trucks to be extra sets of eyes on the look out for suspicious activity and threats to homeland security.

The Department of Public Safety in partnership with Cashman Equipment Co. had 25,000 information cards made that have tips and law enforcement contact information to be distributed to local drivers.

The laminated cards are designed to be quick references for drivers as they move through the city, DPS spokeswoman Kim Evans said.

"The cards ask people to be alert for specific things such as suspicious packages or storage devices," Evans said.

It also cautions drivers to notice if someone is taking detailed photos or making complex diagrams of entrances and exits of buildings and utilities, Evans said.

On the back of the cards are numbers for drivers to report suspicious activities including the Metro Police homeland security division at 229-8386.

Cashman Equipment, an authorized Caterpillar Inc heavy equipment dealer, donated the cost of the cards to "help Nevada law enforcement fight terrorism," said Harry De Nardi, president of Cashman Equipment.

George Togliatti, Nevada Public Safety director, is scheduled to announce the cards Wednesday as part of the roll out of the Homeland Security Commercial Transportation Interdiction Initiative.

The department is also unveiling its new mobile command center. The 30-foot RV contains hazardous materials suits, self-contained breathing apparatus, radiological monitoring equipment, and field bio-test kits, among other equipment, Evans said.

The $224,000 vehicle can be used for multiple tasks including responding to disasters, dismantling of meth labs, reports of foreign substances such as anthrax and for security for major events.

The command center will be based in Carson City, but will be available for use by the Department of Public Safety anywhere in the state.