Overview
The Investigative Assistance Division (IAD) provides investigative services, training, and technical support to the WSP, allied law enforcement and governmental agencies, and community groups to improve the quality of life in the state of Washington. The division conducts independent investigations, facilitates multi-agency law enforcement operations, participates on local and federal task forces, and responds to tactical and clandestine laboratory requests. The division is comprised of two sections:
- Narcotics Section: conducts state-wide drug investigations and commands the WSP Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team
- Special Investigations Section: conducts Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking investigations, provides Digital Forensic evidence processing services and expertise, and assists law enforcement agencies and medical examiners/coroners on Missing and Unidentified Persons cases
Successes of 2019
Special Investigations Section (SIS)
- Three child exploitation operations (dubbed “Net Nanny”) were conducted
- 57 total arrests
Since Net Nanny began in August 2015, 294 arrests have been made and 31 children have been rescued.
The division conducted three human trafficking operations resulting in:
- 17 arrests
- One victim recovery
The Missing and Unidentified Persons Unit assisted with issuance of 5 Amber Alerts, 22 Endangered/Missing Person Alerts, and 45 Silver Alerts.
Narcotics Section
Opioids (i.e. heroin, fentanyl) and methamphetamine remain significant drug threats and WSP remains committed to combatting illicit drug trafficking in Washington. The WSP assigns detectives and sergeants to local and federal drug task forces focused on mid to upper level drug trafficking organizations throughout Washington.
In July 2018, the Washington Legislature committed funding for WSP to address illicit marijuana activities. WSP Marijuana Enforcement Team Detectives (MET) are co-housed regionally with drug task forces around the state. The MET detectives may investigate all drug-related activity but specifically focus on criminal activity involving the diversion, illicit production and distribution of marijuana and marijuana-related products in Washington. The WSP also continues its long-standing partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration in the Domestic Cannabis Eradication/Suppression Program (DCE/SP). In 2019, MET and DCE/SP activities resulted in:
- 97,545 illicit marijuana plants eradicated statewide by law enforcement
- 84 arrests
- 63 weapons recovered
Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT)
Responded to 32 calls for services.