2019 Multi-Agency Ferry Boarding Exercise
WSP Bomb Squad Response to Suspicious Package on Narrows Bridge
Overview
The Homeland Security Division (HSD) is comprised of several unique, yet interdependent, sections that provide valuable support to the homeland security efforts within the Washington State Patrol (WSP). Those sections are:
- The Vessel and Terminal Security (VATS) section is comprised of specially trained troopers and explosive detection K9 teams that provide security to the Washington State Ferries (WSF) system. As the largest ferry system in the United States, this critical infrastructure requires a layered approach to security.
- The Video Monitoring Unit (VMU) provides round-the-clock security over-watch for VATS troopers and the ferry system, to include live camera feed monitoring and license plate reader capabilities. This allows for greater situational awareness for officer, WSF employee, and passenger safety.
- The WSP Interagency Bomb Squad provides statewide support for bomb threats, suspicious devices, and improvised explosive devices. The Bomb Squad also provides explosives awareness and parcel recognition training to other government entities in an effort to ensure the safety of our state employees.
- The Washington State Fusion Center (WSFC) is committed to exchanging critical information and intelligence with local, state, private, and federal partners to prevent terrorism and crime. The WSFC is comprised of intelligence analysts and is supported by WSP detectives and staff to follow up on tips and leads; provide training to stakeholders; and share relevant information regarding threats, trends, and emerging incidents.
- Created in 2019, the Organized Crime Intelligence Unit (OCIU) is a team of intelligence analysts that focus primarily on large-scale drug trafficking case support and analysis; financial crime analysis; and criminal case support.
- The Homeland Security Section staffs the State Emergency Operation Center during disasters and provides coordination and support for law enforcement resources, supports the agency’s Continuity of Operations Plan and Incident Management Team, and manages nearly $2 million in federal grant funding.
Key Measurements and Statistics
Successes of 2019
HSD troopers provided over 6,800 hours of security on ferries travelling throughout Puget Sound. In addition, HSD troopers provided over 16,000 terminal patrol hours and over 23,000 security screening hours in support of vessel and terminal security.
Our 39 explosive detection K9 teams provided essential security to not only the ferry system, but also responded to bomb threats across the state.
HSD troopers assisted many people in crisis in 2019, including the administration of Naloxone at least two times saving two people from opioid overdoses.
The FBI recognized the VMU after they provided critical assistance that led to suspect identification in a violent 2018 incident.
The WSP Interagency Bomb Squad responded to 289 bomb calls statewide in 2019, including response to improvised explosive devices, suspicious packages, ammunition disposals, and bomb threats.
The OCIU provided intelligence-driven targeted analysis resulting in support of 25 active illicit drug investigations, 13 law enforcement assists, and processing 27 interdiction tips for domestic highway enforcement.
The WSFC continued its efforts to support the public safety and terrorism prevention through the following activities:
- Conducted three Fusion Liaison Officer Basic courses, providing training to 61 local, state, and private partners about how to report suspicious activity and share actionable information and intelligence throughout the state.
- Conducted 11 Community Awareness Program classes to teach 389 personnel such as government employees, ushers, security guards, volunteers, and special event coordinators how to identify suspicious behaviors in support of the “See Something, Say Something” campaign.
- Fusion Center detectives reviewed 770 Field Information Reports to identify and assess criminal activity trends.
- Hosted the annual Crime and Safety Conference, which brought together over 151 local, state, tribal, and federal partners to share best practices and facilitate information sharing,
HSD helped plan, and participated in, a multi-agency exercise which included boarding an underway ferry, testing incident command, and neutralizing an active shooter situation on board a ferry. This was a significant undertaking and considered a successful exercise by all participants.