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ABOUT THE EL PROTECTOR PROGRAM
As an agency, Washington State Patrol (WSP) faces the ongoing challenge of interacting with motorists who do not speak the English language. Spanish speaking motorists make up about half of licensed drivers involved in serious injury, fatal, and felony collisions within the Mid-Columbia Valley (the southeast portion of Washington State). In 2003, the El Protector program was implemented to address the increased concerns of Hispanic/Latino surnamed drivers.
The El Protector program places special emphasis on people with limited English speaking abilities. The bilingual and bicultural program provides public education through dialogue with the Hispanic/Latino community, rather than focusing on specific enforcement measures.
The program officially began on February 20, 2003 at a community meeting held in Burbank, Washington. A variety of Hispanic/Latino community leaders, state and local law enforcement officials, and members of state and national traffic safety organizations were in attendance that evening. WSP led a presentation that included statistics from all fatality and felony collisions in 2003. During the meeting, there was an overwhelming positive response and commitment from attendees to take action on the issue.
In response to the meeting, our agency listened to the community by developing a citizen’s advisory board and creating a full-time El Protector position to work with the community. The advisory board was designed to provide guidance, develop shared goals and objectives, and to ensure that our traffic safety message was sent consistently through all outlets.
WSP continues to have a positive impact on reducing traffic-related deaths in the Mid-Columbia region through educational outreach and enforcement activities.
Read about the program’s successes, goals, and achievements in the 2023 El Protector Annual Report.
MISSION
To provide Hispanic/Latino community outreach education addressing the leading causes of fatality and serious injury collisions in Washington while building and promoting positive relationships between law enforcement, the community, and our stakeholders.
MEET THE WASHINGTON STATE PATROL EL PROTECTOR Trooper Daniel Mosqueda is a nine year veteran of the Washington State Patrol. He earned his Associate of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Columbia Basin College. He is currently assigned to District Three in Kennewick and primarily works traffic enforcement in Benton, Franklin, and Walla Walla Counties. He was certified as a Drug Recognition Expert in 2018 and became a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician in 2019. He was assigned to the WSP Aggressive Driving Apprehension Team in 2018 until his selection as coordinator for the El Protector program in January 2019. Trooper Mosqueda has lived in the Tri-Cities for over 30 years and is dedicated to using his Law Enforcement experience and cultural background to educate the community about traffic safety dangers. He has a passion to educate others and promote positive interactions between the community and Law Enforcement. Email Daniel at elprotector@wsp.wa.gov, and follow him on Instagram and Twitter.
GOALS
- Reduce the number of fatality collisions involving Hispanic/Latino drivers and/or occupants.
- Reduce the number of felony collisions involving Hispanic/Latino drivers and/or occupants.
- Reduce the number of Hispanic/Latino community members injured or killed as a result of failing to use vehicle occupant restraint equipment.
- Evolve the program to address all traffic safety issues.
- Create a good rapport and break down barriers within the Hispanic/Latino community to provide a better understanding about law enforcement in the State of Washington.
- Earn and maintain trust from the Hispanic/Latino community by being transparent in our dedication to serve all those who live and travel in Washington.