Overview
The Washington State Patrol (WSP) Field Operations Bureau (FOB) Headquarters (HQ) administratively oversees operations for the Washington State Patrol’s eight field districts responsible for 18,697 lane miles of state highways and interstates. Headquarters assumes the day to day responsibilities for projects and tasks to support the field force in achieving their goals and objectives. Headquarters also maintains several programs and external partnerships to improve public safety on the highways and in the community.
FOB HQ has a captain, two lieutenants, and a two member Research, Analysis, and Mapping (RAM) team, supported by an administrative assistant. The tactical, strategic, administrative, and operational support provided by these team members is essential to the organization’s mission and goals.
Key Measurements and Statistics
In 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic continued to bring challenges to the agency. Even as traffic volume remained low, the number of collisions increased. WSP investigated 254 fatal collisions which is the highest we have seen in over a decade.
FOB Troopers:
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- Made 287,677 self-initated stops
- Investigated 44,502 collisions
- Answered 212,562 calls for service
- Arrested 12,258 impaired drivers
- Stopped 250,333 speeding drivers
- Stopped 15,873 distracted drivers
Successes of 2021
In 2021, the RAM team assisted the agency in achieving their goals and objectives by providing tactical, strategic, administrative, and operational analysis. The RAM team continuously analyzes data and identifies emerging trends in an effort to reduce serious injury and fatal collisions on Washington State roadways.
The RAM analysts:
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- Completed 155 separate requests
- Created 9 new Power BI reports
- Completed 13 Power BI report updates
- Performed 98 system administration actions
- Conducted 104 data management updates
Throughout 2021, the FOB HQ in partnership with the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission (WSTSC) coordinated statewide High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) patrols. HVE patrols utilize data driven information to target problem areas throughout the state.
During 2021, the FOB HQ participated in state and federal traffic safety campaigns including:
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- Distracted Driving
- Move Over Slow Down
- On the Road, Off the Phone
- Click it or Ticket
- DUI Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over
- WSU Thanksgiving Break
- Littering/Secure Your Load
- Hog Wild Motorcycle Emphasis
- Tri County Motorcycle Emphasis
- Operation Sober Handle
Other statewide HVE patrols, FOB HQ supported statewide included:
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- Distracted Driving
- Motorcycle Safety
- Impaired Driving
- Street Racing/Speed Emphasis
- Interstate 90 Speed Enforcement Emphasis
- Interstate 5 Corridor Speed Enforcement Emphasis
The Serious Highway Crime Apprehension Team (SHCAT)
The WSP SHCAT teams are trained in detecting non-driving crimes, such as narcotics trafficking and possession, weapons violations, ID theft, human trafficking and much more. The teams also help gather and forward valuable street-crime-related intelligence to task forces and other investigators. During 2021, the SHCAT team conducted roadside investigations that led to several large scale investigations in human trafficking, gun seizures and drug trafficking.
Washington State Patrol Motors Program
The WSP motor troopers are deployed throughout the state with the majority concentrated on the urban Interstate-5 corridor. In 2021, the motor’s program welcomed and trained several new members.
During 2021, the WSP Motors Program participated in the following escorts and special events:
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- World War II Soldiers remains escorted from SEATAC Airport to Seattle Memorial Grounds
- First Lady detail lasting two days in Tacoma. Movements from Fort Lewis/ McCord Air Force base into Tacoma and back to Fort Lewis/ McCord Air Force base
- Seattle Police Department Fallen Officer Lexi Harris Memorial Service
- Aberdeen DOC Officer Memorial Service
- Yakima Police Department Memorial Service
- Tulalip Police Department Memorial Service
- Clark County Sherriff Memorial Service
- Washington State Patrol Detective Gunderson’s body retrieval from Portland, Oregon and Memorial Service
The WSP Motors continues to build strong partnerships with allied motor programs throughout the state. In 2021, WSP hosted four escort trainings, three of which were held in King County and one in Spokane County. These trainings included classroom instruction with a written exam and three practical live escorts. The WSP motor instructors trained over 176 officers in 2021.
In addition to training, the WSP Motors held four in-service sessions. Each in-service session is held over three days and consists of slow speed qualifications followed by high speed qualifications. Spokane and Lewis County Sheriff motors officers also attended and successfully completed recertification.
Chaplain Program
The WSP Chaplain Program was created to foster an environment of trust, confidentiality, reliance, and professionalism in which employees and the public can feel comfortable with the support of a police chaplain. The mission of the program is to provide another avenue for the mental, physical, and spiritual well-being of employees. The chaplains provide comfort, support, and counseling to anyone in need.
WSP Honor Guard
During 2021, the Washington State Patrol Honor Guard participated in 37 total details which included 10 Line of Duty Death (LODD) ceremonies. This was a record high for the team for participation in LODD ceremonies. Some notable events to the year were honoring Detective Eric Gunderson at his memorial, and the dedication of the district memorials for Trooper Rene Padgett – District 2, and Trooper Justin Schaffer – District 5, along with revealing the memorial to all 32 fallen troopers at the Helen Sommers Headquarters building.
Additional Information and Resources:
We celebrated the life of Trooper Detective Eric Gunderson. Trooper Gunderson died in the line of duty on September 26, 2021, after a courageous battle with COVID 19. He contracted the virus while in service to the state of Washington. At the time of his death, Detective Gunderson had served almost 16 years with the Washington State Patrol.
