Arapahoe commissioners back plan to pursue commercial vehicle inspections

Arapahoe County commissioners backed pursuing a partnership with the Colorado State Patrol to resume commercial motor vehicle inspections, a program officials said has not operated since about 2014 or 2015.

During a Sept. 15 study session, the board chair said, “You’ve got four thumbs up,” after commissioners discussed the proposal. The board did not take formal action, and the county has not executed the agreement.

The initial plan is to send two traffic deputies to Colorado State Patrol training. Officials described a longer-term goal of having six traffic deputies available for inspections, but did not establish a final staffing schedule.

Inspections would cover commercial-vehicle safety, including equipment, load security, weight, logbooks and mirrors. The work could involve dump trucks, delivery and box trucks, and tractor-trailers. Under the draft agreement, county inspectors would work on interstate, state and county highways within the Sheriff’s Office’s jurisdiction and follow North American uniform inspection procedures and Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance out-of-service criteria.

Officials said the program would not involve immigration enforcement or federal agencies and would not divert patrol deputies from 911 calls. Inspections could be scheduled when traffic deputies were otherwise available. The county expects little or no additional equipment at the outset; officials identified staff time for training as the only initial cost but did not provide a dollar estimate or projected inspection volume. They also mentioned a possible inspection location near Bennett for dump trucks hauling dirt or sand.

A county board summary recommended authorizing the sheriff to sign the agreement and pursue the required training and certifications. The draft agreement calls for Colorado State Patrol coaching and mentorship during initial certification and requires use of state inspection procedures and electronic reporting systems.