Overview
The Investigative Assistance Division (IAD) provides investigative services, training, and technical support to the Washington State Patrol (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 statewide 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 2020
Special Investigations Section (SIS)
One child exploitation operation (dubbed “Net Nanny”) was conducted and seven arrests were made. Since Net Nanny began in August 2015, 301 arrests have been made and 45 children have been rescued. The division conducted one human trafficking operation and made two arrests. The division completed 21 Internet Crimes Against Children investigations and made 15 arrests. The Missing and Unidentified Persons Unit assisted with issuance of 4 Amber Alerts, 10 Endangered/Missing Person Alerts, and 54 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.
WSP Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET) Detectives 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 2020, MET and DCE/SP activities resulted in:
- 88,306 Illicit marijuana plants eradicated statewide by law enforcement
- 114 Arrests
- 105 Weapons recovered
Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT)
- Responded to 26 calls for service
- Provided training to the Execute Protection Unit during their in-service
- Tactical Patrol Rifle Course provided to team members, detectives, and CTW instructors
- Provided expert knowledge to the training division for lesson plan development
- Enhanced tactical response capabilities with the integration of the Android and Windows Tactical Awareness Kit (ATAK & WinTAK)
- Provided Negotiator support to allied agencies across the State
- Utilized knowledge and experience in clandestine laboratory operations to provide consultations on several situations which prevented potential exposures to other first responders
- Provided additional security enhancements during protests on and around the Capitol Campus
Additional Information and Resources
For more information on services provided by the Investigative Assistance Division, please email Captain Roger Wilbur at Roger.Wilbur@wsp.wa.gov