Washington State Patrol 2008 Annual Report

1 Washington State Patrol 2008 Annual Report 2 Washington State Patrol 2008 Annual Report Table of Contents Letter from the Chief ...................................... 5 7 9 9 11 13 13 15 15 16 17 19 19 21 21 22 24 25 25 26 29 29 30 30 33 34 34 35 36 WSP 2008 Organization Chart ...................................... Field Operations Bureau ...................................... Traffic Law Enforcement ............................................... Collision Investigations ............................................... Criminal Interdiction and Terrorism ............................ Roadside Assistance ............................................... Investigative Services Bureau ............................. Criminal Investigation Division ...................................... Homeland Security Division ...................................... Investigative Assistance Division ............................. Office of Professional Standards ............................. Special Operations Division ...................................... Technical Services Bureau ...................................... Enhanced Fingerprint Identification ............................. Communications Improvement ...................................... Hiring and Training ............................................... Fire Protection Bureau ...................................... Prevention Division ............................................... Preparedness Division ................................................ Management Services Bureau................................. Property Management Division ..................................... Risk Management Division ...................................... Budget and Fiscal Services ........................................ Forensic Laboratory Services Bureau ................... Crime Scene Investigation ...................................... DNA ............................................................. Impaired Driving ......................................................... Quality Insurance ......................................................... 3 Washington State Patrol 2008 Annual Report 4 Washington State Patrol 2008 Annual Report Letter from Chief John R. Batiste Welcome to the 2008 Washington State Patrol Annual Report. In the following pages, you will see a fair amount of data, and I think some very good news. 2008 was a terrific year for the State Patrol on many fronts. But the best news of all is pretty simple. The number of traffic fatalities in Washington continued to plummet. At this writing, the 2008 number is 520, compared to 568 in 2007. The final number could vary slightly with delayed reports, but not nearly enough to dampen my joy at the number of lives being saved. Enforcement by WSP troopers plays a critical role in reducing fatalities, and I am very proud of the work done by all WSP employees in contributing to this success. I also want to acknowledge some partners who are not otherwise represented in this WSP Annual Report. Whenever the Washington State Department of Transportation builds or rebuilds a road, they do it with no higher priority than safety. Our partners in the emergency medical services are performing miracles at the side of the road. They routinely save people suffering from injuries that just a few years ago would have been fatal. Even the auto manufacturers are playing a role, building better and better occupant protection into new cars. But at WSP, I am very proud of the way we are approaching enforcement. We actually wrote fewer tickets in 2008 than in 2007. Normally I would have concerns about this reduction, but higher gas prices and the early part of the recession seemed to be reducing the number of cars on the road. We are targeting our enforcement to the places and situations where tragedies are known to occur. I’d rather have troopers write fewer tickets, but write them for the violations that cause crashes. The goal of enforcement isn’t to write tickets, it’s to improve safety through driver compliance and prevent collisions from happening in the first place. But the State Patrol isn’t only about troopers. There are other bureaus who make equal contributions to public safety. Our Fire Protection Bureau had a busy year, coordinating the deployment of resources to a number of major wildfires. When the going gets tough, these are the people who get going. They contact fire departments around the state, rounding up resources and sending them to assist local agencies overwhelmed by a major fire. The Forensic Laboratory Services Bureau continued to build the state’s DNA database, 5 Washington State Patrol 2008 Annual Report adding additional DNA profiles to compare with evidence collected at scenes. Candidly, we know that people who commit crimes seldom commit just one. Collection of DNA after the first crime can help provide a speedy resolution should the person decide to repeat his or her previous behavior. Also on the identification front, our Technical Services Bureau took a giant leap forward by joining the Western Identification Network, or WIN. Now, anytime anyone is arrested in Washington, their fingerprints will be compared against those on file in seven adjoining western states. The purpose is to quickly identify people arrested for a minor crime and who have lied about their identity. In the past, those arrested for minor crimes sometimes made bail very quickly, before it was known that they were wanted for a major crime somewhere else. Our Investigative Services Bureau had both an exciting and tough year. Always ready to provide assistance to local law enforcement, State Patrol detectives assisted with the investigations into the shooting deaths of two police officers in separate jurisdictions. While certainly an unpleasant accomplishment, it shows that agencies around the state can count on their partnership with the Patrol. And where would we be without those who manage our resources? The Patrol’s Management Services Bureau had an exceptionally “green” year, auditing our utility needs and identifying ways to conserve. The result is expected to be more than $70,000 in annual savings on energy costs. I encourage you to review the detailed material on the following pages, or at www.wsp.wa.gov, and see for yourself the great work done by the men and women of the Washington State Patrol. Chief John R. Batiste Service With Humility 6 Washington State Patrol 2008 Annual Report WASHING TO N STATE PATROL O RGANIZATIO NAL CHART A PRIL 2007 C HIEF J OH N R. B ATI STE Dep artm ent P syc hol ogis t Go vernm ent and M edia Relatio ns DEPUTY CHIEF Lab or an d P olic y Adviso r Field Op eratio ns Bu re au Fire Pro tection B ureau F orensic L abo rato ry Services B ureau In vestig ative Services B ureau Man agem en t Services Bu reau Tech nical Services Bu reau Tac om a D-1 P rep aredn ess D ivision Crime L abo rato ry Divisio n To xico log y Lab orat ory D ivision Imp aired Dri vin g S ect ion C rimin al Invest iga tion Divisio n Ho melan d S ecu rity Divisio n In vestig ati ve Assist ance Divisio n Of fice o f P ro fessio nal S tan dards S pec ial Op eratio ns Divis ion B ud get and Fiscal S ervices P rope rt y M an agem ent Divis ion Risk Man age men t Divisio n C om mu nicat ion s Divisio n Crim inal R ecord s D ivision E lect ro nic S ervic es Divisio n Hu man Reso urce Divis ion Inf orm atio n T echn olo gy D ivision Train ing D ivi sion 7 Bellevu e D- 2 P reven tio n Di vision Y akima D-3 S p okan e D- 4 Washington State Patrol 2008 Annual Report V anc ou ver D -5 W en atch ee D- 6 M arysville D -7 Brem erto n D -8 C om mercial V eh icle Divisi on 30 00 -3 65-0 01 (Rev. 4/0 7) A n interna tionally accred ited agency providing profession al law enforcement services 8 Washington State Patrol 2008 Annual Report Field Operations Bureau The Field Operations Bureau is responsible for traffic law enforcement, collision investigation, criminal interdiction and terrorism prevention, and motorist assistance on 17,524 miles of interstate and state highways. The bureau is comprised of eight patrol districts and the Commercial Vehicle Division (CVD). On average, 669 traffic officers (610 field force and 59 CVD) were assigned to FOB in 2008. “Traffic Law Enforcement increases the safety of all the state’s citizens and visitors, apprehends dangerous drivers, and helps maintain the economic viability of our communities.” Traffic Law Enforcement The Washington State Strategic Highway Safety Plan, or Target Zero, proposes to eliminate all traffic fatalities and disabling injuries on state roadways by the year 2030. The plan identifies the state’s traffic safety priorities, investment imperatives, and continuing challenges. WSP proudly endorses Target Zero. In pursuit of its primary goal and collaborative strategies, FOB personnel initiated 782,722 traffic stops during 2008. Using their professional discretion, troopers issued tickets in approximately 62% of these traffic stops. Enforcement efforts that worked toward reducing collisions statewide included: • 20,005 DUI arrests, a decrease of 7% from 2007 (7% were drug-related); • 84,421 aggressive driving citations, down 12% from 2007; • 270,168 speed citations, down 13% from 2007; • 46,481 seat belt citations, a decrease of 24% from 2007. Assistant Chief Les M. Young - News Release Washington State Patrol named best U.S. police agency Award recognizes excellence in reducing deaths, injuries on highways August 12, 2008 TACOMA – Gov. Chris Gregoire today announced the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) has named the Washington State Patrol (WSP) the best law enforcement agency in the nation for 2007. The honor follows last year’s designation of WSP as the best state police agency of its size. Called the “Law Enforcement Challenge,” the award recognizes excellence in reducing deaths and injuries on the nation’s highways. The judges look closely at traffic enforcement, public education and occupant protection. Award rules require agencies that win their category to move up to a Championship Class the following year. WSP was one of 23 prior category winners competing in the 2007 Championship Class, and came out on top. “This is an exceptional honor,” said WSP Chief John R. Batiste. “It belongs to the men and women of WSP who are committed to reducing deaths and injuries on Washington highways.” 9 Washington State Patrol 2008 Annual Report Field Operations Bureau Success “Every traffic fatality and disabling injury is a preventable tragedy for the families affected by these heartbreaks…While the Washington State fatality rate continues to fall in comparison to the national average, our work will continue in pursuit of Target Zerothe only truly acceptable traffic safety measure.” United States 3.35 3.17 2.76 2.58 2.57 2.47 2.51 2.41 2.32 2.17 2.08 1.91 1.75 1.75 1.73 1.76 1.69 1.64 1.58 1.55 1.53 1.51 1.51 1.48 1.44 1.45 1.42 1.37 All Washington Roads 3.43 2.88 2.42 2.15 2.23 2.21 1.96 2.05 1.88 1.81 1.85 1.45 1.32 1.42 1.34 1.33 1.45 1.32 1.27 1.21 1.14 1.21 1.20 1.09 1.02 1.17 1.12 1.00 State Highways 3.42 2.33 2.34 1.87 2.16 2.18 1.75 1.91 1.81 1.79 1.80 1.45 1.36 1.20 1.14 1.22 1.32 1.17 1.17 1.14 1.13 1.11 1.04 0.93 0.89 1.00 0.95 0.87 4.00 3.50 3.00 2.50 2.00 1.50 1.00 0.50 1980 Traffic Fatality Rates in Washington Compared to the National Average Fatalities per 100 million VMT (vehicle miles traveled), 1980 - 2007 United States All Washington State Roads Washington State Highways 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 Provided by: WSDOT Transportation Office (TDO) Sources: U.S. Fatalities/VMT: NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts: WA Fatalities FARS State Hwy Fatalities WSDOT - TDO; WA VMT: WSDOT-TDO In 2007, Washington’s traffic rate decreased to 1.00 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT), the lowest fatality rate in state history. Washington State is 27% below the 2007 U.S. fatality rate of 1.37 fatalities per 100 million VMT. Between 1980 and 2007, the U.S. fatality rate declined by 59%, Washington State’s overall fatality rate declined 71%, and the state highway fatality rate declined by 75%. Challenge The continuing challenge for FOB is to maintain our Target Zero momentum. This has been especially difficult as the number of allocated field force troopers has remained fairly constant over the past two decades, despite aggregate increases in Washington State population, licensed drivers and vehicles, and average number of miles driven. 10 Washington State Patrol 2008 Annual Report Field Operations Bureau “Comprehensive collision investigations protect victims and hold negligent drivers accountable, while working to clear roadways for efficient travel.” Agency Collisions Non-Reportable Property Damage Injury Fatality Totals Agency Collisions By Highway Type Interstate State Route County Road Totals Jan 2008 Dec 2008 6,242 21,013 7,453 190 34,898 Jan 2008 Dec 2008 16,936 17,962 2,600 37,498 Jan 2007 Dec 2007 5,298 22,165 8,405 234 36,102 Jan 2007 Dec 2007 17,036 19,065 2,969 39,070 Difference 944 -1,152 -952 -44 -1,204 % Change for Period 18% -5% -11% -19% -3% % Change for Period -1% -6% -12% -4% Recent observational surveys conducted by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission in the summer of 2008 indicated: Washington State’s seat belt use rate as 96.5%, compared to just 83% nationally. Yearly compliance rates have increased over the last five years.1 Difference -101 -1,103 -369 -1,572 “Washington State seat belt use rates remain very high, which inevitably has saved lives and reduced injuries.” Seat belts (lap and shoulder belts), when used correctly, reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat occupants in passenger vehicles by 45% and the risk of moderateto-critical injury by 50%. Similarly, lighttruck occupants wearing seatb belts reduce their risk by 60% and 65% respectively. 2 (Footnotes) 1. Washington Traffic Safety Commission & NHTSA, 2009 2. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 2009 11 Washington State Patrol 2008 Annual Report Field Operations Bureau “The WSP continues to work with our traffic safety partners to reduce roadway blockages to improve our economic viability and efficient travel.” Governor Christine Gregoire has asked Washington State traffic safety agencies to concentrate on reducing highway blockages of 90 minutes or longer. WSP follows the Governor’s Government Management Accountability & Performance (GMAP) principles to manage and improve roadway blockages. The following charts reflect the agency results on nine key highway segments and the percentages of these blockages in relation to all incidents. 190 165 140 115 Q4 2005 # of Incidents 86 67 Q3 Original Baseline Data GMAP First Performance Period Originial target = 165 min. Annualized average = 161 min. New Performance Period Current annualized average =156 min. New target= 155 min. 90 Q1 84 Q2 2006 104 Q3 109 Q4 129 Q1 95 Q2 2007 89 Q3 128 Q4 101 Q1 106 Q2 63 Q3 2008 74 Q4 118 Preliminary analysis on the incident response dataset for 2008: • The general trend of the average duration of over-90-minute incidents quarter to quarter, since Quarter 3 of 2005, has been decreasing at a rate of 2 minutes per quarter. • There is no statistically significant difference between the average duration of over-90minute incidents, comparing 2007 to 2008. • The number of over-90-minute incidents decreased in 2008. Challenge Washington State has suffered two unusually severe winters, during 2007 and 2008. Both seasonal trends involved significant snowfall events and catastrophic floods. Despite these weather-related challenges, FOB personnel remained committed to their primary focus - to drive all collisions lower, in furtherance of our Target Zero goals. 12 Washington State Patrol 2008 Annual Report Field Operations Bureau Conditions on Snoqualmie Pass remained treacherous, even as avalanche control and snow removal operations continued in early 2008. WSP Photographer Weldon Wilson captured this image (photo on right) while working with Troopers Kristopher Sivertsen and Christopher Storton as WSDOT worked to clear the roads after a snow storm. “Criminal Interdiction and Terrorism Prevention help protect our citizens and communities.” The agency continually encourages its troopers to conduct thorough roadside investigations. In fact, troopers’ roadside investigative techniques have had an impact on addressing a variety of public safety crimes such as auto theft, illegal firearm possession, drug dealing, and identity theft, which have an adverse impact on our communities and quality of life. Likewise, the agency continues to stress the need for our personnel to remain ever vigilant about the indicators of terrorist activities. Our goal is to help prevent Washington from being attacked, as other areas of the United States and the world have been victimized. In 2008, uniformed troopers made a total of 45,414 criminal arrests. Average of 5.19 criminal arrests per hour every day. Total criminal arrests and felony and misdemeanor drug arrests totaled 10,709, or 1.23 arrests per hour each day. Challenge Reactive patrol activities, such as calls for service and collision investigations, consume large portions of a trooper’s typical daily routine. Oftentimes, this leaves less time for proactive traffic law enforcement activities, including roadside investigations that can become time intensive. “Troopers provided over 105,470 motorist assists during 2008.” Roadside assistance contacts with motorists whose vehicles have become disabled remain a core function of all FOB personnel on a daily basis. On average, troopers helped motorists whose vehicles had a mechanical breakdown, run out of fuel, or had another roadside emergency over 8,789 times per month, or 292 times a day, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Photo courtesy of TriCity Herald 13 Washington State Patrol 2008 Annual Report 14 Washington State Patrol 2008 Annual Report Investigative Services Bureau The Investigative Services Bureau consists of five divisions that provide various public services, including the investigation of computer crimes, missing and unidentified persons, narcotics, dismantling of clandestine labs, and performing high-risk warrant service; gathering of criminal intelligence; aviation; executive protection; ferry security; K9 training and bomb teams; Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT); identity theft, auto theft; State Capitol Campus security; vehicle inspections; and fatality, criminal disability fraud, and internal administrative investigations. Criminal Investigation Division “The Criminal Investigation Units throughout the state investigated 184 felony collisions and 171 criminal investigations.” Assistant Chief Brian A. Ursino The increase in criminal investigations is due to an increase in outside agency requests for assistance. Most significantly, CID responded to two multiple-victim shooting scenes involving the deaths of law enforcement officers. In Skagit County, a gunman went on a shooting rampage in a neighborhood and on the interstate that resulted in the fatal shooting of six people, including a Deputy, and injury to three others, including a trooper who was shot in the arm. In Clallam County, a National Forest Ranger was shot and killed during a contact with the suspect. The suspect fled, fatally shooting a citizen before Clallam County deputies shot and killed the suspect at a convenience store. Multiple CID units responded, demonstrating a tremendous amount of dedication, teamwork, and professionalism. The auto theft ranking posted by the FBI revealed that Washington State remained one of the top states in the nation, ranked fifth in vehicles stolen per capita. With the establishment of the Washington Auto Theft Prevention Authority, CID has partnered in newly formed auto theft task forces in Snohomish County and in Vancouver aimed at taking a multi-jurisdictional approach to attack auto theft. “In 2008, detectives in our three Regional Auto Theft Units opened 458 auto-theftrelated cases resulting in 232 arrests and the recovery of 513 stolen vehicles worth more than $5.5 million.” In addition to those efforts, our Tacoma Regional Auto Theft Unit is participating in a multijurisdictional effort with Lakewood Police Department and other law enforcement agencies in Pierce County, and our Spokane Regional Auto Theft Unit is participating in a similar effort with the Spokane Police 15 Washington State Patrol 2008 Annual Report Investigative Services Bureau Department and the Spokane County Sheriff’s office. Our existing auto theft efforts, coupled with these new partnerships, have been key to the overall reduction of auto theft statewide. “Working in cooperative partnerships across the state, our detectives played a major role in reducing auto theft 23% from 2007.” There were 31,276 vehicle inspections in 2008 by the 17 Specialists in our Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Program. VIN Specialists performs physical inspections on vehicles that have been rebuilt after being destroyed or declared a total loss by an insurance company. They also will perform physical inspections as required on vehicles reported stolen, homemade vehicles, or other vehicles without a proper VIN, when there is a VIN discrepancy, when there is a record dispute, when ownership is in doubt, or other special cases. The VIN Specialists fielded 68,633 telephone calls and recovered 31 stolen vehicles, worth more than $227,000. Their efforts brought about a reduction in customer wait time from 23 days in 2007 to 13 days in 2008. Homeland Security Division The Homeland Security Division’s mission is to provide exemplary public safety services that maximize prevention of criminal and terrorist acts, and preparedness activities that provide capabilities and efficiency in agency operations during times of emergency. The Homeland Security Division had a successful year in 2008. Success was achieved through the hard work of division employees, partnerships with outside agencies, enhanced training programs, implementation of best practices, and acquisition of new technology. The Vessel and Terminal Security Section (VATS) troopers and explosives detection canine teams provide public safety, explosives detection, traffic control, canine explosives detection and public assistance for Washington State Ferry (WSF) vessels and terminals in and around Puget Sound. VATS exceeded federal security standards for protection of the ferries through enhanced layers of security. Vehicle screening standards were exceeded by 11%, terminal patrol hours were increased, and troopers spent 28% more time riding ferry vessels. The division continued to focus on partnerships, including joint training and exercises with local and federal law enforcement agencies, leveraging existing assets to maximize the safety and security of the state ferry system. HSD continued to provide support to communities and law enforcement agencies across the state. The WSP Inter-Agency Bomb Squad had a 7% increase in calls for service in 2008. New technology and equipment were obtained for the Bomb Squad through federal grants, enhancing both officer safety and capability. The Canine Training Unit completed cutting-edge training for existing canine teams, in addition to basic training programs for new explosive and narcotics detection teams. This training is provided to partner law enforcement agencies at no charge. 16 Washington State Patrol 2008 Annual Report Investigative Services Bureau The Homeland Security Section assisted in securing $3,310,787 in federal homeland security in federal homeland security grants and enhanced management processes to ensure their efficient use. “The Canine Training Unit completed cutting-edge training for existing canine teams, in addition to basic training programs for new explosive and narcotics detection teams.” Investigative Assistance Division The Narcotics Section participates in 16 of the 19 Byrne (federal) grant-funded multi-jurisdictional drug task forces statewide. These task forces are the backbone of the state’s drug strategy-conducting complex investigations into upper-level drug-trafficking organizations. These organizations are responsible for the importation of the majority of illicit substances found in our communities. “These task forces are the backbone of the state’s drug strategy-conducting complex investigations into upper-level drug-trafficking organizations.” Since March of 2008, the Washington State Fusion Center (WSFC) has been involved in a consulting project, funded by the Urban Area Security Initiative, to develop a collaborative partnership with local, state and federal agencies and non-governmental partners to meet the Northwest Region’s and homeland security objectives. To meet this need, the Washington Joint Analytical Center and the Seattle Urban Area Security Initiative combined to form a unified Washington State Fusion Center. The Washington State Fusion Center (WSFC) will use an information-technology-enabled capability to gather information from local agencies and share it statewide and with federal agencies. These agencies work in close proximity to receive, integrate and analyze information and intelligence, which can be instrumental in improving the quality of intelligence. Law enforcement recognizes a wide variety of criminal activities may precede a terrorist incident. The discovery and interruption of these activities can prevent or disrupt a terrorist In In 2008, There were 817 in 817 2008, our cases resulted arrests, act. Thus, the WSFC takes an “all crimes” approach to terrorism arrests, disrupting and/or disrupting or dismantling 45 drug prevention. The sharing of information allows it to be analyzed dismantling 45 drug- trafficking trafficking organizations and more effectively and will increase law enforcement’s ability to organizations and leading to the leading to the following seizures: “connect the dots.” following seizures: • 80,415 marijuana plants In 2008, the Missing and Exploited Children Task Force •• 80,415 marijuanaCocaine 7,723 grams of plants (MECTF) merged with the High Tech Crimes Unit (HTCU). • 7,723 grams ofof Heroin • 6,974 grams Cocaine MECTF was formed to assist law enforcement agencies, state • 6,974 grams of Heroin agencies, and the proper custodial entity by conducting investigations related to crimes against children cases through referrals, on-site assistance, case management, and training. The merger of MECTF and HTCU units created efficiency in investigative resources that led to a 39% increase of search warrants and a 366% increase in on-line investigations compared to 2007. This was due to an increased on-line presence by MECTF detectives and the addition of two Computer Crimes/Internet Crimes against Children (CCICD) detectives. 17 Washington State Patrol 2008 Annual Report Investigative Services Bureau CCICD detectives have successfully initiated cases involving the distribution of child pornography by computer “Peer to Peer” technologies. The Peer to Peer investigations have concluded in the successful arrests of persons involved in Internet crimes against children involving the possession and distribution of child pornography. In addition to working with MECTF, the CCICD detectives work with the HTCU to complete computer forensics examinations pertaining to child pornography. The HTCU analyzed 11% more data in 2008 compared to 2007. The Missing Persons Unit (MPU) assists law enforcement agencies and parents in locating missing persons. The MPU has achieved many successes over the past year, including the implementation of process improvements in the collection of missing person dental records from counties. The MPU was able to successfully secure the volunteer services of an additional Forensic Odontologist, Dr. Kavanaugh, to assist Dr. Bell with dental coding and making identifications. “MPU has also developed an agency-wide curriculum, protocol, and policy for first responders to recognize and address the crime of Human Trafficking.” MPU has also developed an agency-wide curriculum, protocol, and policy for first responders to recognize and address the crime of Human Trafficking. Members from MPU and MECTF have successfully been trained and certified in Child Abduction Response, and a multi-jurisdictional Child Abduction Response Team (CART) has been assembled. MECTF and MPU are in the process of developing Memorandums of Understanding (MOU), policy, and procedures for statewide responses and training of other law enforcement agencies. MECTF successfully applied for a federal grant (passed through Washington State Department of Social and Health Services) to provide annual CART training at six locations throughout the state. The Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team continues to play a vital role offering critical services when asked to respond and manage events like barricaded persons, sniper incidents, hostage situations, terrorist confrontations, and other high-risk arrest situations to WSP and other state, local, and federal agencies. SWAT conducted 43 tactical missions in 2008, arresting over 100 subjects, seizing 38 weapons, and rescuing four endangered children. In addition, SWAT had 15 clandestine drug lab responses and assists in 2008 compared to seven in 2007. WSP SWAT is also recognized for their subject matter expertise on Maritime operations and was requested by the WSP Homeland Security Division and local and federal agencies to provide Maritime tactical training during 2008. 18 Washington State Patrol 2008 Annual Report Investigative Services Bureau Office of Professional Standards The Office of Professional Standards (OPS) provides oversight responsibility for the agency’s complaint and disciplinary procedures. OPS staff is dedicated to conducting thorough and impartial investigations of all complaints received either from inside or outside the agency. “We, the Office of Professional Standards, acting with integrity, are committed to public employee accountability while respecting and protecting the rights of all individuals.” All available resources - including interviews, documents, photographs, video, witness accounts, recordings, and any other evidence - are reviewed so fair resolutions are reached when employee misconduct is alleged. In 2008, OPS was designated as the division responsible for training supervisors and mid-level managers on the administrative investigation process. To help meet this responsibility, a separate Civil Service Administrative Investigation Manual was created and the Commissioned Manual was revised. OPS staff cross-trained 14 employees and provided over 138 hours of training in 2008. 2008 Agency-Initiated Citizen-Initiated Compliant Total 208 72 280 % of Total 74% 26% 2007 230 60 290 % of Total 79% 21% 2006 189 99 288 % of Total 66% 34% 2005 197 130 327 % of Total 60% 40% This chart shows the total number of complaints received by OPS over the past four years. The chart also shows those complaints that were agency-initiated versus citizen-initiated. This data demonstrates the agency holds itself accountable to its policies, whether or not citizens come forward. Ops staff is dedicated to discovering the truth so that the public will continue to have confidence in and be proud of the Washington State Patrol. Special Operations Division The Aviation Section provides aerial traffic enforcement, traffic congestion management, safe and reliable air transportation, homeland security aerial support, and other aerial law enforcement services in support of the WSP public safety mission. 19 Washington State Patrol 2008 Annual Report Investigative Services Bureau “In July 2008, the Aviation Section initiated a first-in-the-nation public safety program called the DUI Aerial Response Team (DART).” In July 2008, the Aviation Section initiated a first-in-the-nation public safety program called the DUI Aerial Response Team (DART). Specially equipped airplanes are used to locate, track, and coordinate the apprehension of drunk drivers. DART is a team effort, including citizens armed with cellular phones, WSP aircrews, troopers, and communications officers, to effectively combine proactive DUI aerial patrols with a rapid air response to citizen reports of erratically driven vehicles. When a DART aircraft is airborne, the percent of citizen-reported erratically driven vehicles that are contacted by a trooper increases from 4% to 25%. In 2008, over 40 media stories were attributed to DART - each serving as an effective deterrent to drunk driving. The Executive Services Section (ESS) provides law enforcement services on Washington State’s Capitol Campus and protection for the Governor and other dignitaries. Section personnel reduce crime through proactive enforcement and security patrols in the buildings on the campus, on the campus grounds, and in the state parks within the city of Olympia. In 2008, troopers assigned to the campus contacted over 7,000 violators and provided more than 37,000 security-related activities. “Section personnel reduce crime through proactive enforcement and security patrols in the buildings on the campus, on the campus grounds, and in the state parks within the city of Olympia.” In 2008, ESS conducted two tabletop and three functional lock-down exercises in the legislative building, which involved the offices of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Senate, and the House of Representatives. Prior to these drills, section personnel provided training to more than 200 campus employees on methods to protect themselves during emergency situations such as an active shooter. Training and exercises have been ongoing, and ESS plans to hold emergency drills every year. 20 Washington State Patrol 2008 Annual Report Technical Services Bureau The Technical Services Bureau provides support to the Patrol and other law enforcement and government agencies throughout the state. Services include dispatching, training, information technology applications, voice and data communications, and fingerprint and criminal history background checks. The bureau is comprised of the Communications Division, the Criminal Records Division, the Electronic Services Division, the Human Resource Division, the Information Technology Division, and the Training Division. Enhanced Fingerprint Identification Criminals in Washington will now have a more difficult time hiding their true identities from police because WSP became a member of the Western Identification Network (WIN) in 2008, and now automatically and instantly shares its database of fingerprints with systems in seven other western states. Assistant Chief David J. Karnitz The Criminal Records Division (CRD) maintains the repository of fingerprints used by all police agencies in Washington. Joining WIN provides faster and more reliable identification of arrested subjects by expanding the pool of fingerprints for comparison. “As a member of WIN, any fingerprints submitted to WSP’s database will automatically be checked against prints on file in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming.” In the past, people arrested on minor charges were sometimes released before fingerprints could verify their true identity. Officers had to manually route fingerprints to other states, and sometimes did not do so if there was not a reason. Such was the case in 2005, when an Oregon police officer had no reason to run a suspect’s prints against records in Washington. The subject was wanted for a doublemurder here, but had lied about his name. He was released and went on to commit a second doublehomicide in Kennewick. As a member of WIN, any fingerprints submitted to WSP’s database will automatically be checked against prints on file in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming. This new process will help the state’s law enforcement community do a better job of intercepting dangerous career criminals who might make bail before their true identities are known. 21 Washington State Patrol 2008 Annual Report Technical Services Bureau Communications Improved Through Technology The ability to effectively communicate within the agency, with citizens, and with other public safety entities is the lifeblood of WSP’s mission to provide public safety services. Several technology projects completed in 2008 provide improved communication mediums. Updated Web Site: The new WSP Web site (www.wsp.wa.gov) has a fresh new look with easier navigation and layout. The site was designed in response to research about user needs, with special attention paid to the mostvisited pages. “The site was designed in response to research about user needs, with special attention paid to the most-visited pages.” Among the improvements include a comprehensive A-Z index, an updated Employment page, enhanced Missing Children and Most Wanted pages, as well as a new search feature on WSP’s Truck Scale Certifications page. Digital Microwave Radio Redundancy: Completed an upgrade of digital microwave communications tower sites around the southern portion of Washington State. This provides redundant, survivable digital connectivity for current and future public safety communications systems. This project was done in partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice and represents cost avoidance to the state of over $40 million. This new connectivity was used during the recent flooding to prevent the potential of communications losses to state and federal systems. “This provides redundant, survivable digital connectivity for current and future public safety communications systems.” Network Upgrade: Continued an upgrade of computer and telephone network technology at State Patrol offices in Olympia, Marysville, Bellevue, and Tacoma. The new network equipment replaces aged token ring technology, allows for enhanced applications such as SECTOR (electronic ticketing), and sets the stage for future improvements in the delivery of services to both WSP personnel and the people of the state of Washington. 22 Washington State Patrol 2008 Annual Report Technical Services Bureau eSafe: New software and hardware was deployed to better secure computers across the agency for remote access and movement among offices. The project, called electronic Secure Access for Employees (eSAFE), has improved the ease of moving personnel with computers from office to office, the ability for personnel to travel and connect to the agency’s computer network, accessibility to agency e-mail from private computers, and improved overall protection from computer threats, including viruses, worms, and other malware. Interoperability: Successfully deployed the first phase of the state’s Project 25 pilot project, which has common system standards for digital public safety radio communications. This provides secure digital interoperable communications for state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies. The first WSP site was made operational in November and has already supported multiagency operations. “WSP dispatchers answered nearly 700,000 emergency 911 calls and had 8.8 million radio transmissions in 2008.” Computer-Aided Dispatch: WSP dispatchers answered nearly 700,000 emergency 911 calls and had 8.8 million radio transmissions in 2008. The CAD system is the dispatcher’s primary tool for entering details on 911 calls, dispatching emergency response (police, fire, medical aid, tows, etc.), and capturing extensive performance data. An upgraded CAD was deployed to all eight WSP communications centers in June 2008 that has more capacity, is faster, and is easier to maintain. The upgrade also provides new, helpful features such as expanded license plate fields, auto refresh (now manual), and a faster dispatch method. “An upgraded CAD was deployed to all eight WSP communications centers in June 2008 that has more capacity, is faster, and is easier to maintain.” 23 Washington State Patrol 2008 Annual Report Technical Services Bureau Hiring and Training Essential to WSP Success First-rate recruitment, hiring, training, and retention of 2,300 commissioned and civil service employees is essential to achieving WSP’s vision of being the best public safety agency in the United States. During the year, the Human Resource Division supported hiring a total of 268 agency employees, including 65 trooper cadets, and the Training Division provided over 9,600 hours of instruction. “The Human Resource Division supported hiring a total of 268 agency employees, including 65 trooper cadets, and the Training Division provided over 9,600 hours of instruction.” One employee hired and trained during the year was Maurice M. Kon. Kon is a 53-year-old married father of four children. With a long-held interest in law enforcement, and after seeing his son Mathew become a trooper, Kon applied to be a trooper cadet and participated in the rigorous selection process. He was hired in May 2008 and assigned to the 96th Trooper Basic Class (TBC) – a 26-week basic training course at the State Patrol Academy in Shelton. Despite being 20 to 30 years older than most of his classmates, Kon distinguished himself by his leadership skills and in achieving the class most physically fit award. After successfully completing the classroom and practical phases of training, Kon and his classmates graduated as commissioned troopers in January 2009 and launched their careers by going to assignments in one of the Patrol’s eight districts across the state. Trooper Kon commented to a friend after graduation on the challenges of becoming a trooper: “If I had known everything that I was going to have to go through to become a Washington State Patrol Officer, I wouldn’t have done it.” His friend rightly replied, “You don’t have to, you already did!” 24 Washington State Patrol 2008 Annual Report Fire Protection Bureau The Office of the State Fire Marshal, Fire Protection Bureau, provides services to fire districts, fire departments, government agencies, members of the media, and the general public. These services include fire incident reporting and data collection; fire code review and adoption; construction plan review for fire sprinkler and alarm systems; and fire inspections of high-risk occupancies housing elderly and vulnerable populations. In addition, the bureau regulates the fireworks and fire sprinkler industry through a licensing and certification program. The State Fire Training Academy provides training to the state’s local fire services. The bureau also provides coordination of Washington State fire service resources for mobilization. Hazardous materials training, fire prevention and life safety education, and public information services are responsibilities of the bureau. State Fire Marshal Michael G. Matlick Prevention Division Fire Inspection Program During 2008, our inspection staff completed a total of 2,700 fire inspections and reinspections of nursing homes, boarding homes, residential treatment facilities, group homes, childcare centers, and hospitals to ensure these facilities are maintained in a fire-safe state and meet state-adopted fire and building code requirements. Additionally, staff provided fire and emergency prevention and preparedness training to 57 licensed care facilities throughout the state with 254 licensed care employees attending these sessions. “The program has been instrumental in ensuring compliance with building and fire codes and has saved the state money...” Plan Review Program The Office of the State Fire Marshal provides plan review services on school construction projects, as required by statute, and at the request of local jurisdictions through contractual agreements. Projects include schools, commercial businesses, hotels, motels, correctional facilities, and other occupancies. During 2008, the plan review staff completed 42 construction plan reviews. On average, each project takes approximately 18 months from design to completion. The program has been instrumental in ensuring compliance with building and fire codes and has saved the state money through avoidance of costly changes required during construction due to lack of code compliance. Licensing Program Staff completed licensing and certification for 1,250 fire sprinkler contractors, inspectors, testers, installers, and designers and issued an additional 1,181 fireworks licenses. 25 Washington State Patrol 2008 Annual Report Fire Protection Bureau Staff also completed the development and implementation of a new certification program for fire sprinkler fitters that went into effect in January 2009. Data Collection Program The annual Fire in Washington Report was published on April 1, 2008, fulfilling a commitment to the fire service to provide more timely data. Additionally, we saw a 1% increase in reporting in 2008. Outreach and Education Program The focused Outreach and Education Program was to continue developing our bureau Public Information Officer (PIO) team concept by hosting ongoing PIO meetings, developing a media schedule and assignments that are time/season appropriate, and increasing our overall media contacts. In 2008, the bureau issued various notices, media advisories, and press releases highlighting fire safety, including a Holiday Safety Campaign and a Fourth of July Media Campaign, with Public Safety Announcements – all tying in to the “Prevent Fires – It’s Your Job” campaign theme. Staff also worked on developing media kits for rural fire departments to aid in getting information out to the media when they are faced with fire deaths, injuries, or other incidents. Preparedness Division “The Basic Fire Fighter Training Program and the Accreditation and Certification Unit provided services accessible to an estimated 23,000 professional and volunteer firefighters across the state.” The Basic Fire Fighter Training Program and the Accreditation and Certification Unit provided services accessible to an estimated 23,000 professional and volunteer firefighters across the state. These included training resources and funding at the local level, ensuring quality cognitive and skills testing, and certification to national consensus standards. The Basic Fire Fighter Training Program provided reimbursement ($1,038,000) for 12,994 students in 2008, representing an increase of 1,079 students over 2007. These funds are provided to offset the cost for local agencies to train entry-level firefighters to national standards. The Accreditation and Certification Unit tested 3,212 candidates on 11 different certification levels and issued 2,867 International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) certifications in 2008. 26 Washington State Patrol 2008 Annual Report Fire Protection Bureau The unit created process improvements that significantly reduced score notification and certificate issuance from 60 to seven days. “The Accreditiation and Certification Unit created process improvements that significantly reduced score notification and certificate issuance from 60 to seven days.” The Fire Training Academy experienced an increase of 14% in training dates. In 2008, 12,831 training dates were completed. The increase was an outcome of the Fire Academy offering Firefighter II and Fire Officer I training and certification as well as three regional academies. The Firefighter II program resulted in 143 additional firefighters training at the North Bend facilities. “The Fire Training Academy experienced an increase of 14% in training dates. In 2008, 12,831 training dates were completed.” During 2008, the Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) prop was used 21 times by local and out-of-state airport emergency responders. The Sacramento, California Airport Firefighters utilized the North Bend facilities for their Live Fire certification for the first time. In 2008, the Fire Academy delivered a pilot course entitled “Introduction to International Fire Code,” which was attended by 29 students. The Fire Academy Flammable Liquid Fire props were utilized by the Fire Service and Firefighting Foam Manufacturers to evaluate the capabilities of firefighting foams to extinguish ethanol and magnesium fires. In addition, Fire Academy staff participated in evaluating the Department of Energy Hydrogen Firefighting pilot training program. 27 Washington State Patrol 2008 Annual Report Fire Protection Bureau “In 2008, the Hazardous Material Training Section scheduled and conducted classes for 1,221 emergency responders.” On October 22, 2008, the Enviromental Protection Agency, in conjunction with local agencies and the U.S. Army, conducted a combined exercise for 150 participants in the recovery of material and personnel during a hazardous materials incident. In 2008, the Hazardous Material Training Section scheduled and conducted classes for 1,221 emergency responders. The Hazardous Materials Training Section sponsored various levels of hazardous materials training, such as Hazmat Awareness, On-Scene Incident Command, and Technician and Chemistry throughout Washington State. The workshops, seminars, and conferences are funded through federal grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Department of Homeland Security. “Mobilization Section personnel locate, dispatch, and track resources for the fire and arrange for reimbursement to responding agencies and personnel after the mobilization has ended.” The Mobilization Section coordinates statewide fire service resources to support local firefighting efforts. As provided in the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan, the mobilization of statewide fire service resources may be approved by the Chief of the Washington State Patrol when a fire has overwhelmed a local fire jurisdiction and its mutual aid partners. Mobilization Section personnel locate, dispatch, and track resources for the fire and arrange for reimbursement to responding agencies and personnel after the mobilization has ended. Fire service resources were mobilized twelve times in 2008. The two largest fires were Badger Mountain in Douglas County and Valley View in Spokane. Mobilization Section personnel worked closely with WSP Budget and Fiscal Services and with fire service personnel to improve processes related to the mobilization payment process, resulting in timely payments for responders and a reduction in the error rate for payment paperwork. The cost of mobilizations in 2008 was $8.4 million. 28 Washington State Patrol 2008 Annual Report Management Services Bureau The Management Services Bureau is responsible for all agency financial activities, including preparation, justification, and allotment of the department’s operating and capital budgets. The bureau also oversees the Property Management Division, which is responsible for providing comprehensive facilities management through the capital and operating budget process. The bureau is also responsible for the Risk Management Division, which is comprised of Administrative Services, the Audit Section, Public Disclosure Section, and the Strategic Planning and Performance Section. “The Management Services Bureau is comprised of three divisions of highly skilled professionals dedicated to quality customer service and fiscal responsibility.” Property Management Division Bureau Director Diane C. Perry The Property Management Division (PMD) is responsible for providing comprehensive facilities management through the capital budget process; purchasing and management of supplies; and management of the WSP vehicle fleet. The division is committed to spending taxpayer dollars in the most efficient way possible. PMD consists of three sections of exemplary employees striving for excellence in all they do. In 2008, the Facilities Management Section continued their efforts in improving the energy efficiency of WSP-owned facilities. Working in cooperation with the General Administration Performance Energy Contracting Program, extensive energy audits were conducted at the Shelton Academy, Chehalis, Kelso, and Ellensburg Detachments, and the Fire Training Academy. The guaranteed energy savings identified by the audits will pay for the improvements through a loan from the State Treasurer’s Office, allowing WSP to accomplish a larger scope of work with fewer capital project funds. To extend the funding even further, we received over $75,000 from utilities as part of their energy conservation incentive programs. Additional projects are underway at the Tacoma and Marysville District Headquarters, to be completed in 2009. Long-term savings for the projects completed or in progress is in excess of $70,000 per year. “In 2008, the Facilities Management Section continued their efforts in improving the energy efficiency of WSP-owned facilities.” The Facilities Management Section also removed 20 in-ground fuel tanks and replaced them with aboveground fuel tanks. Due to the remote locations of the tanks and the possibility of unknown leaks, this effort will not only save the agency time and money, but is a measure to safeguard the environment. We will remove the final 10 in-ground fuel tanks in 2009. In 2008, the Supply Section procured, received, and shipped $12,306,500 in commodities for the agency, competitively bidding for items not on a state contract, and saving money in the process while promoting relationships with new vendors. 29 Washington State Patrol 2008 Annual Report Management Services Bureau Prompt payments by the Supply Section of vehicle purchases saved the agency over $25,000 in 2008. For the first time ever, when the Supply Section outfitted a cadet class of 50, less than 10 items of the 3,300 items issued were placed on backorder. The Fleet Section staff continued to work hard to keep troopers on the road in 2008. They issued 221 vehicles and prepared and sold 148 retired vehicles for auction. The sale of these vehicles returned over $257,000 to the agency last year. Risk Management Division The Risk Management Division (RMD) is responsible for internal audits, risk management, agency records retention and disclosure issues, providing document management services, administering property and evidence handling policies, and ensuring compliance with state mandates and Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) standards. The division objective is to reduce and manage risk to the department by ensuring compliance and accountability to state laws and department regulations, procedures, and policies. One of the agency performance measures addressing these goals and objectives is to respond accurately to public disclosure and information requests in less than 7 calendar days. “The agency continues to work toward the most thorough and timely responses possible. Initial response times to requestors in 2008 averaged 2.47 days. Employees spent over 28,000 recorded regular and 140 recorded overtime hours working on public disclosure.” The Public Disclosure Section is required to receive and handle all aspects of records disclosure and retention, in compliance with statutory requirements and the agency’s policies and procedures. Effective and timely release of public records to the public, media, and the legal community is critical. While the workload growth has been exponential, the agency continues to work toward the most thorough and timely responses possible. Initial response times to requestors in 2008 averaged 2.47 days. Employees spent over 28,000 recorded regular and 140 recorded overtime hours working on public disclosure. The division made changes to the agency procedures in 2008 to improve search efforts, provide records in electronic format as often as possible, and improve communication with requestors. These changes have reduced printing costs, reduced shipping costs, and will result in less risk of litigation; but, along with a 30 Washington State Patrol 2008 Annual Report Management Services Bureau larger volume of requests, may lead to increased response times in the future. RMD will monitor and assess this issue on a regular basis. Budget and Fiscal Services Budget and Fiscal Services (BFS) is responsible for management of all agency financial activities, preparation, justification, and allotment of the department’s operating budget; and fiscal notes on proposed legislation. BFS is responsible for all accounting functions for the agency, including contract and grant billings, collection and receipt of debts, and payments to vendors for goods and services received. Other areas BFS focused on in 2008 was the collection of debt owed to the agency. The WSP has a current portfolio of over $15 million in grant funding along with several hundred interagency agreements or contracts where they bill for services provided to others. The collection of these billings is an enormous, but important effort. It provides reimbursement for services Billings Over 60 Days Past Due provided and revenue to state accounts. $1,400,000 $1,200,000 $1,000,000 $800,000 $600,000 $400,000 Specifically, BFS tracks and reports all debt over 60 days past due as a performance measure. A goal of BFS is to reduce this debt to under $100,000. The chart to the right shows the success achieved with this effort throughout 2008. Dec 07 Jan 08 Feb 08 Mar 08 Apr 08 May 08 Jun 08 Jul 08 Aug 08 Sept 08 Oct 08 Nov 08 Dec 08 31 Washington State Patrol 2008 Annual Report 32 Washington State Patrol 2008 Annual Report Forensic Laboratory Services Bureau The Forensic Laboratory Services Bureau provides a wide range of forensic science expertise to city, county, and state law enforcement officers, assisting agencies at crime scenes, preparing evidence for trial, and providing expert testimony. The bureau also oversees and coordinates the efforts of the State’s Breath Alcohol Test Program, Drug Evaluation and Classification (DEC) Program, six Crime Laboratories, the Latent Print Laboratory, and the State Toxicology Laboratory. “2008 was a year in which the staff of the Forensic Laboratory Services Bureau overcame many significant challenges to achieve success in terms of both service delivery and quality.” Acting Bureau Director Larry D. Hebert The Forensic Labaratory Services Bureau (FLSB) services are provided statewide from facilities in Kennewick, Marysville, Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Tumwater, and Vancouver. • Crime Laboratory Division (CLD) o o o o o o o o Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) Laboratory Kennewick Crime Laboratory Latent Prints Laboratory (Tumwater) Marysville Crime Laboratory Seattle Crime Laboratory Spokane Crime Laboratory Tacoma Crime Laboratory Vancouver Crime Laboratory • Toxicology Laboratory Division (TLD) o o State Toxicology Laboratory (Seattle) Impaired Driving Section • Breath Alcohol Test Program • Drug Evaluation and Classification (DEC) Program • Ignition Interlock Program 2008 was a year in which the staff of the FLSB overcame many significant challenges to achieve success in terms of both service delivery and quality. Professionalism, dedication to the mission, and an appreciation of the importance of quality and the public trust were key factors in the successes achieved. 33 Washington State Patrol 2008 Annual Report Forensic Laboratory Services Bureau Crime Scene Investigation The Crime Laboratory Division (CLD) plays a vital role in the criminal justice process with timely scientific analysis of any physical evidence relating to crimes against the citizens of the state. In accordance with legislative mandate, the Crime Laboratory Division also performs DNA typing for both adults and juveniles who are convicted of a felony, are required to register as a sex or kidnapping offender, or have been convicted of certain misdemeanors. The Crime Lab faced a serious challenge with maintaining a fully trained Crime Scene Response Team (CSRT) in the face of increased service demand conflicting with rising case backlogs and court commitments. Division personnel were engaged many critical but time-consuming activities. The harsh realities and experiences of responding to major crimes time and time again wear down personnel, some of whom must be relieved of crime scene duty for personal health reasons. Budget cutbacks in many local agencies helped fuel the increased demand for crime scene services. In spite of these challenges, the CSRT enhanced its capabilities during 2008 by: • • • • Establishing a full-time CSRT Coordinator Establishing two full-time CSRT Responders Maintaining 23 part-time CSRT Responders Successfully responding to 104 major crimes during 2008, including the murders of two police officers “Leveraging federal grant funding to decrease the backlog of convicted offender samples by 71% from 59,000 to 17,000.” DNA Legislative changes have increased the number of convicted offenders who are eligible for inclusion in the state’s DNA database known as the CODIS (Combined DNA Index System). In addition, new legislation promoted each session promises to further increase the number of individuals who qualify for inclusion in the database. Even with increased workload, current staff has been able to experience success during 2008: • • • Leveraging federal grant funding to decrease the backlog of convicted offender samples by 71%, from 59,000 to 17,000. Increasing the number of DNA profiles in the database to nearly 150,000. Achieving a phenomenal 179% increase in DNA hits in the databank linking suspects to 318 unsolved serious crimes during 2008. Population of Washington State's CODIS CODIS Database Population of Washington State’s Dadabase 160000 140000 Num ber of O ff ender Profiles 145369 120000 100000 80000 60000 40000 20000 0 81290 82233 82834 90572 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 34 Washington State Patrol 2008 Annual Report Forensic Laboratory Services Bureau Impaired Driving In 2008, the Legislature mandated WSP to participate in a pilot project in conjunction with the Department of Licensing and the Washington Traffic Safety Commission to study the degree of compliance with the requirements of the state’s existing Ignition Interlock Program, and to develop methods to monitor that compliance. The Impaired Driving Section (IDS) was assigned the task and soon began checking the level of compliance in King and Yakima Counties, which were the counties selected for the study. This study was accomplished with no increase in staffing, and much of the work was done on overtime while personnel continued to perform their normally assigned duties. The following table shows what was learned from the study: C ounty Yakima King Compliant 35 64 Non-Compliant 50 22 Total Checks 85 85 Compliance Rate 41% 74% Other issues identified: • Felony and misdemeanor warrants were encountered. • Some individuals contacted were intoxicated and/or irate. • Domestic disturbances were encountered. • A $1,000 warrant was issued for no ignition interlock device. Work continues on this important program, and a new Ignition Interlock Program Coordinator positionfunded through the Washington Traffic Safety Commission using federal funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - will soon be added. Another significant accomplishment was the completion of the Standard Field Sobriety Testing Program (SFST) assessment conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This assessment will lead to improvements in the quality, accountability, and admissibility of Impaired Driving Program results. The assessment has helped develop: • • A Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor position to assist prosecutors statewide with impaired driving prosecutions. An Impaired Driving Advisory Council to help direct resources and efforts to address impaired driving issues statewide. 35 Washington State Patrol 2008 Annual Report Forensic Laboratory Services Bureau “During 2008, FLSB worked hard to maintain a high level of quality in all disciplines.” Quality Assurance During 2008, FLSB worked hard to maintain a high level of quality in all disciplines. In order to continuously improve the level of quality, the bureau engaged in the following activities: • The CLD successfully completed and submitted the Washington State Quality Award (WSQA) Lite Application as prescribed by the passage of House Bill 1972. • This resulted in very positive feedback from WSQA staff, followed by their recommendation for submittal of the full application. The CLD, Toxicology Laboratory Division, and IDS operational manuals were all revised in preparation for further accreditation by the International Standards Organization (ISO) under Standard 17025. • Standard Operating Procedure Manuals • Quality Manuals • Technical Procedure Manuals • Training Manuals The ISO 17025 Accreditation Application for the IDS was submitted in September 2008. • Successful completion of the inspection and receiving ISO accreditation will place the IDS as one of only three agencies in the United States to receive this accreditation. FLSB embarked on an ambitious program to have all of its managers and supervisors successfully complete the intensive threeweek Leadership in Police Organizations training course. • • • This training will enable the bureau to apply successful problem-solving and business models to attain maximum performance in accountability, service delivery, human resource management, and fiscal responsibility. 36 Washington State Patrol 2008 Annual Report 37 Washington State Patrol 2008 Annual Report