The Department of Commerce provides federal Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funds to the Investigative Assistance Division of the Washington State Patrol to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the multi-jurisdictional task force program.  Previous program evaluations conducted by Commerce researchers have proven the benefit of WSP’s participation, specifically related to its ability to:

 

1.      Provide trained supervisors and detectives to task forces that are not subject to rotation policies,

2.      Facilitate the exchange of intelligence between task forces,

3.      Provide technical assistance, investigative support and specialized resources,

4.      Coordinate and participate in the Peer Review program to assess task force performance; and to

5.      Coordinate related training for task force personnel.

 

Since the inception of the task forces, WSP has provided supervisors to 11 task forces, and investigators to 16.  Like the task forces the WSP has endured fluctuations in funding levels over recent years.  The WSP is committed to participating to the extent possible contingent on the funding provided.  In 2011 the WSP anticipated participating in 16 of the 19 Byrne (JAG) funded task forces by providing 6 supervisors and 10 detectives.  The WSP will also provide one lieutenant to oversee all the assigned personnel, coordinate the peer review program and coordinate the task force commander’s conferences.  The WSP also provides significant resources from across the department to support the task forces, including dedicated staff at no cost to the task forces.

 

Program Coordinator:

Lt. Richard Wiley

(360) 507-0453