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2020 Annual Report: Homeland Security Division

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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 explosives 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 officers, WSF employees, and increases 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.

The Homeland Security Section is comprised of two functions: The Organized Crime Intelligence Unit (OCIU) is a team of intelligence analysts and a Criminal Proceeds Manager that focus primarily on large-scale drug trafficking case support and analysis, financial crime analysis, criminal case support, and asset forfeiture; and the Emergency Management Unit which staffs the State Emergency Operations 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.

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Key Measurements and Statistics

Successes of 2020

Ferry Security:

Homeland Security Division (HSD) troopers provided over 6,300 hours of security on ferries travelling throughout Puget Sound. In addition, HSD troopers provided over 11,600 terminal patrol hours and over 16,000 security screening hours in support of vessel and terminal security.

Explosive Detection K9s:

Our 39 explosives detection K9 teams provided essential security to not only the ferry system, but also responded to bomb threats across the state. The Canine Training Unit trained four new canine partners for troopers working throughout the division.

WSP Interagency Bomb Squad:

The WSP Interagency Bomb Squad responded to 306 calls statewide in 2020, including response to improvised explosive devices, suspicious packages, ammunition disposals, and bomb threats. Three new certified bomb technicians joined the statewide roster after completing the 240 hour FBI Hazardous Devices School Bomb Technician Certification Course at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. The WSP Interagency Bomb Squad has passed strict FBI and National Bomb Squad Commanders Advisory Board criteria and in 2020 has maintained its National Accreditation as a FEMA Type 1 (Top Tier) Bomb Squad Resource.

Video Monitoring Unit:

The Video Monitoring Unit assisted the ATF, FBI, and Seattle PD on a major local/federal investigation.

Washington State Fusion Center:

The Washington State Fusion Center continued its efforts to support public safety and terrorism prevention through the following:

  • Conducted two Fusion Liaison Officer classes that provided training to 42 local, state, and private partners about reporting suspicious activity and sharing actionable information and intelligence throughout the state.
  • Conducted one Community Awareness Program class to teach 35 personnel such as government employees, ushers, security guards, volunteers, community leaders, and special event coordinators how to identify suspicious activity based on behaviors in support of the “See Something, Say Something” campaign.
  • Fusion Center detectives reviewed 900 Field Information Reports to identify and assess criminal activity.
  • Played an important role during the initial response of the COVID pandemic with the Emergency Management Division, the 2020 riots and civil disobedience, and provided information sharing concerning the 2020 elections. The Fusion Center was vital in providing support for information and intelligence gathering, planning, cyber awareness and alert, and other physical threats.

Homeland Security Section:

The Homeland Security Section had staff activated for several Incident Management Team activations, including COVID-19, summer protests, Trooper Justin Schaffer Memorial, and November elections. Additionally, two staff were assigned to the State Emergency Operations Center as part of the Advance Planning Team that advised Unified Command for nearly three months. Throughout this year of activations, the Emergency Management Unit (EMU) continued to manage several homeland security grants and prepared applications for additional funding for our agency. The EMU also published the annual WSP Continuity of Operations (COOP) plan, which was instrumental as a guide for our agency when COVID-19 required a transition to remote operations for many employees.

The Organized Crime Intelligence Unit experienced their busiest year to date in support of the Marijuana Enforcement Teams. Two analysts supported 34 active narcotics investigations, assisted with 17 law enforcement assists, and reviewed 20 interdiction tips.  Additionally, the Criminal Proceeds Manager coordinated 103 seizure cases, which represents a 27% increase from 2019

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