Overview
The Field Operations Bureau (FOB) Headquarters (HQ) administratively oversees field operations for the Washington State Patrol’s eight field districts. HQ assumes the day to day responsibilities for projects and tasks that support the field force. They manage several key specialty programs such as the Honor Guard and Motors (Motorcycle Troopers). In addition, they partner with many external organizations to align efforts that improve public safety and ensure the equitable and efficient delivery of resources.
Within FOB HQ is a captain, two lieutenants, and a two member Research, Analysis, and Mapping (RAM) team, all supported by an administrative assistant. The tactical, strategic, administrative and operational support provided by these members is essential to the organizations mission.
Key Measurements and Statistics
In 2020, while navigating the complications of COVID-19 and historic civil unrest, FOB troopers:
- Investigated 35,505 collisions
- Made 784,377 contacts
- Answered 202,797 calls for service
- Removed 12,429 impaired drivers
FOB HQ and the Washington State University Division of Governmental Studies and Services completed the Report to the legislature with recommendations regarding potential bias in Washington State Patrol (WSP) traffic stops. The report included a statistical analysis of traffic stop data and a statewide survey of Washington residents and their experience with the WSP. Preliminary findings show no evidence of systemic bias in WSP stops or enforcement actions.
FOB HQ recognizes the need for acute awareness related to community engagement and public trust. As such, we continue to support all efforts to learn and grow with our communities.
Significant Events in 2020
In 2020, the RAM analysts produced several data collection and display tools for the organization. The first of which finished production in 2020 and was activated in January of 2021. This tool, referred to as a Power BI, aggregates and displays state, county, and municipal Police Traffic and Collision Report (PTCR) data in a comprehensive visual format. Data such as location, causation, time and numerous other factors are now included in a series of comprehensive displays. Power BI is expected to greatly enhance our efforts to understand and ultimately reduce all public roadway collisions.
In addition, the RAM analysts created a similar tool that aggregates trooper’s performance efforts directed at collision causing violations. This tool, also referred to as a Power BI, will greatly assist the organization as we strive to identify and promote exceptional trooper performance directed at collision reduction and overall roadway safety activities.
Lastly, the RAM analysts refined the recently created Field Operations Strategic Advancement Forum. Their alterations improved the report by incorporating multiple data sources for a comprehensive, up-to-date, and interactive look at how the organization is performing.
In addition, 2020 saw the Field Operations Bureau’s five regional Rapid Deployment Force (RDF) teams respond to a historic number of civil unrest and crowd control situations; ranging from freeway protests to downtown riots and Capitol Campus shootings. Meanwhile, FOB HQ lieutenants collaborated with partners such as the Washington Traffic Safety Commission and the eight FOB districts to maintain the continued safety of our highways. This included the strategic application of statewide High Visibility Enforcement emphasis patrols directed at:
- Distracted Driving
- Motorcycle Safety
- Impaired Driving
- Street Racing/Speed Emphasis
- Interstate 90 Speed Enforcement Emphasis
- Interstate 5 Corridor Speed Enforcement Emphasis
- WSU Traffic Safety Emphasis during the Thanksgiving Break
Many calls for service in 2020, presented unprecedented aggression and violence towards citizens, businesses, government and law enforcement. One such call for service resulted in the most selfless act of service that can be made by a trooper. Tragically, at the age of 28, Trooper Justin R. Schaffer was feloniously killed while attempting to stop a fleeing felon on Interstate 5 in his hometown of Chehalis.
Justin spent much of his life in rural Lewis County near the City of Chehalis where his father served as the Chief of Police. Justin graduated from Adna High School and went on to complete his college degree at Centralia College. He and his wife Sandra met while working together at the local grocery store. Justin’s first WSP assignment was to the Morton Autonomous Patrol Area (APA) and eventually he would transfer to the adjoining Chehalis APA where he served as a K9 Trooper. His choice of assignments kept him close to friends, family, and the outdoors.
Lewis County resident, businessman and military veteran, Senator John Braun:
“This is unbelievably sad. Trooper Justin Schaffer gave his life to keep the people of our state safe, attempting to end a pursuit of a suspected robber wanted in two counties. He was a young husband, a trooper since 2014, the son of a police chief. He is the 30th trooper to make the ultimate sacrifice in the 99-year history of the WSP. While so many are rightfully concerned at this time about an illness they can’t see, our law enforcement officers and other first responders are still putting their lives on the line against the dangers that are more familiar to us. They deserve our greatest respect.”
— Senator John Braun
Justin will be fondly remembered for his contagious smile, willingness to serve and love for his community, friends, and family. We miss him and will always remember the sacrifice that he and his family made and continue to make for each of us.
Justin R. Schaffer #K646
End of Watch March 24, 2020
