"Desert Snow' Helping Officers Prevent Weapons, Contraband, Movement Across PA Highways

‘DESERT SNOW' HELPING OFFICERS PREVENT WEAPONS, CONTRABAND, MOVEMENT ACROSS PA HIGHWAYS

State Police this week are participating in an advanced training program designed to help troopers identify potential terrorists and smugglers who may be crossing Pennsylvania highways in commercial vehicles, Governor Edward G. Rendell said today.

"This program is part of our continuing effort to give law enforcement the training they need to provide the highest possible level of protection to Pennsylvania citizens and communities," Governor Rendell said.

Known as Desert Snow, the program helps state police officers find suspects with workshops on topics such as roadside interview techniques, hidden compartments, concealment methods and false documents. As part of the training, officers inspect a variety of commercial vehicles with hidden compartments containing drugs, bombs, portable methamphetamine laboratories and other contraband.

Former California Highway Patrol Officer Joe David started the Desert Snow program 15 years ago to train officers to spot cocaine smugglers.

"Since then, the program has expanded to include techniques for identifying potential terrorists and uncovering weapons of mass destruction," Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Jeffrey B. Miller said.

Miller also said Desert Snow complements Operation SHIELD, a State Police training program started a year ago to help troopers stop the movement of weapons, fugitives and contraband on commonwealth highways.

Fifty-five Pennsylvania troopers who have received Operation SHIELD training, 55 State Police motor carrier enforcement officers and five troopers from other states are attending the Desert Snow program, which is funded by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The training is being held at the State Farm Show Complex.

http://www.state.pa.us/papower/cwp/view.asp?A=11&Q=448052