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GSTA - Response to State Police Towing SOP Certification Questions

A Towman's Association for All Towmen

The GSTA apologizes if anyone has the wrong impression of what the GSTA is trying to accomplish as an association and in particular with the State Police Towing SOP.  We also apologize for not explaining in detail how the State Police Towing SOP works.   We have tried to keep the membership and the industry informed on this subject as it unfolded.  Unfortunately not enough people attended our meetings, read our newsletter or magazine, or inquired to the board members.  As you can imagine, wrong information and rumors travel quicker then accurate information and the truth.

When the State Police were putting together their towing SOP they already knew about the TRAA National Driver Certification program.  They knew about it from other states that had it in their SOP and also from the Federal Highway Authority, which provided funding for the project.  The members of the State Police that put together the SOP are members of the incident management community, in contact with many resources involved in highway traffic management.  National Driver Certification was not an idea that the GSTA put in their heads.

When the GSTA was asked for input we provided them with information about the National Driver Certification program.  We also informed them about the Wreckmaster & University of Georgia programs as well.  That is why there is an "or equivalent" phrase in the Towing SOP.  (Section VII - Items D, E & F)   That allows other programs to be included.

The main crux of the whole document, not just the Certification but other requirements as well, is that the final decision rests with the Station Commander.  The Station Commander has the right of discretion over all facets of the SOP and the towing rotation.   We are urging all Wreckmaster or University of Georgia certification holders to make their cases with their Station Commanders to consider these as "or equivalent"  to the National Driver Certification.  Please be aware that the towing SOP is a document used solely for the interests of the State Police.   Although the GSTA made comments and suggestions on the Towing SOP, the State Police had full control over the document and made decisions based on what was in their best interest, not the towers. 

Another misconception about the National Driver Certification program and the GSTA is that the GSTA is making money off of the program.   Although the GSTA is administering the tests we are not profiting from the program.   With the amount of time and money it costs to advertise, administer and support the program it is a break-even venture at best.  Most of the money collected for the tests goes back to the program in the effort to repay TRAA for development and materials.

Again we apologize for any confusion this has caused and wish to support the towers of New Jersey in all their endeavors.  If you would like to discuss this matter any further please contact the GSTA office at 732-530-4782 or any GSTA board member. Thank you.