Communications Division
Criminal Records Division
Electronic Services Division
Human Resource Division
Information Technology Division
Training Division & Academy

 
COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION

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The Communications Division operates a 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year statewide emergency communications system, which includes eight centers. The division provides emergency dispatch services for mobile units of the Washington State Patrol (WSP), Department of Fish and Wildlife, Liquor Control Board, Department of Transportation, State Parks, and other state and federal agencies.

For additional information on Washington State Patrol Communications Officers, visit our Communications Careers page.

 
CRIMINAL RECORDS DIVISION

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The Criminal Records Division consists of the Criminal Telecommunications, Identification and Criminal History, and Records Sections.

Criminal Telecommunications Section
The Criminal Telecommunications Section manages and operates A Central Computerized Enforcement Service System (ACCESS), which provides telecommunications linkage to law enforcement, criminal justice agencies, and associated state databases. The system allows contact with other agencies nationwide through the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS) and access to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) files. (RCW 43.43.785 )

The section also manages the Washington Crime Information Center (WACIC), a computerized database of stolen property, wanted persons, missing persons, and other pertinent information of interest to law enforcement officers and associated criminal justice agencies throughout the state.

Identification and Criminal History Section
The section is the central repository for the Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) in the state of Washington. Fingerprint arrest cards and subsequent disposition information are submitted by local criminal justice agencies and entered into a mainframe computer database.

The Identification and Criminal History Section provides state and national fingerprint background checks on individuals where required by statute.

The Washington State Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) network includes one central site and sixteen remote sites located at local law enforcement agencies throughout the state.

For additional information see Criminal History Records.

Identification Unit
The unit consists of a Tenprint Unit and a Missing/Unidentified Persons Unit (M/UPU). The Tenprint Unit technicians use AFIS to determine if a prior record exists with a fingerprint search alone, regardless of the name used by the subject of inquiry. M/UPU assists local law enforcement agencies in identifying human remains by providing a central file for dental identification and using fingerprints and other descriptors.

Records Section
As the repository for all police traffic collision reports, the Records Section provides data and statistical information to more than 250 federal, state, and local jurisdictions. The information is used to analyze crash factors and to develop programs enhancing highway safety. (RCW 46.52 )

 

Technology Engineering Section
The section provides the Washington State Patrol with engineering skills in communication, electronic, networking, analog, and digital designs.

 

Field Support Section
The section is responsible for the repair and maintenance of all Washington State Patrol communications equipment and systems, consisting of portable radio, mobile radio, mobile computer systems, speed-measuring devices, communications center radio, and vehicle installations.

TRAINING DIVISION

The Training Division administers all training programs for WSP employees. The Training Academy, located in Shelton, identifies agency training needs and develops and implements programs conducted at the Academy and throughout the state. Additionally, the Academy has a nationally recognized Emergency Vehicle Operators Training Program used by law enforcement agencies throughout Washington State. The Training Division also provides training for other law enforcement agencies.

For additional information, see WSP Training Academy or see a Virtual Tour.