Safe Clear under fire; 32 wrecker drivers suspended

06:22 PM CST on Monday, January 31, 2005

By Jason Whitely / 11 News

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There was more criticism Monday of the mayor's Safe Clear towing program as stronger calls were issued for change. And the very safety of the program is being called into question.

KHOU-TV

The criminal history of Safe Clear tow drivers has been called into question by State Senator John Whitmire.

The month-old program is facing another barrage of criticism. A special city council meeting was held Monday at which several council members voiced alternatives which included a six-month moratorium on the program, a change in fees, a cap on funding and even a citizen's review board. Some council members claim the program was put into action too fast leaving critical questions unanswered.

State Sen. John Whitmire called for the criminal histories of all the Safe Clear tow truck drivers be made public after approximately three dozen were shown to have been convicted of a crime. Earlier this year the city stated that the criminal backgrounds of all 252 Safe Clear tow drivers had been checked.

11 News revealed that 32 drivers have recently been found with questionable convictions and were not pulled off the street until last week.

"The component that requires you to get in with the wrecker driver is wrong until we have some sense that these individuals have really been screened," said Whitmire. "[I'm] most concerned about the misinformation, whereas I was told a month ago that they'd already done this."

"We were briefed that the background checks had been done and the bad guys had been kicked out," said council member Michael Berry. "Now, the bad guys have been kicked out." When asked who's at fault for the misinformation Berry said, "I don't really know yet."

The 32 drivers in question have been suspended from the program.

The mayor's office stands by Safe Clear claiming it is clearing congestion and making roads safer.

The decision on Safe Clear is one of 14 amendments before city council for Wednesday's regular meeting.