Public Safety: Another Job For The Trashman?

Jul 8, 2008 3:36 PM

A new program, implemented by Waste Management Inc., a private trash service provider, will offer extra security to the Northern Colorado area by offering its services through Waste Watch, a community-based safety program developed by Waste Management’s corporate security services.

“It’s a way to give back to the community,” says Dan DeWaard, the senior district manager for Waste Management in Northern Colorado.

According to the Loveland Reporter-Herald, 70 employees — including drivers and route managers — participated in a special training June 24. A retired FBI agent and current security consultant for Waste Management conducted the session, along with representatives from the Larimer and Weld County Sheriff’s departments.

Although drivers have always been instructed to keep a watchful eye in the community, the session provided more formal training, DeWaard says.

There was a special video presentation along with a question and answer session. All drivers had to pass a written exam to be certified.

“Drivers are pretty excited about it,” he told the Loveland Reporter-Herald. “A lot of them came up to me and said this added to the talk about being aware.”

This program started four years ago at other locations around the country; however, it has begun to pick up speed in the past 18 months, DeWaard says.

Drivers who service residential, commercial and industrial routes will be watching for anything out of the ordinary, including signs of fire, suspicious activity and people who exhibit signs of emotional distress.

It’s too early to gauge the impact of the Northern Colorado program; however, DeWaard has heard of success stories from other areas of the country.

“We’ve had some positive response from the community. People are very favorable toward the program. That’s really what it’s about,” he says.

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© 2008 Penton Media Inc.

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