ABOUT THE EL PROTECTOR PROGRAM
As an agency, Washington State Patrol (WSP) faces the ongoing challenge of interacting with motorists who do not speak the English language. Spanish speaking motorists make up about half of licensed drivers involved in serious injury, fatal, and felony collisions within the Mid-Columbia Valley (the southeast portion of Washington State). In 2003, the El Protector program was implemented to address the increased concerns of Hispanic/Latino surnamed drivers.
The El Protector program places special emphasis on people with limited English speaking abilities. The bilingual and bicultural program provides public education through dialogue with the Hispanic/Latino community, rather than focusing on specific enforcement measures.
The program officially began on February 20, 2003 at a community meeting held in Burbank, Washington. A variety of Hispanic/Latino community leaders, state and local law enforcement officials, and members of state and national traffic safety organizations were in attendance that evening. WSP led a presentation that included statistics from all fatality and felony collisions in 2003. During the meeting, there was an overwhelming positive response and commitment from attendees to take action on the issue.
In response to the meeting, our agency listened to the community by developing a citizen’s advisory board and creating a full-time El Protector position to work with the community. The advisory board was designed to provide guidance, develop shared goals and objectives, and to ensure that our traffic safety message was sent consistently through all outlets.
WSP continues to have a positive impact on reducing traffic-related deaths in the Mid-Columbia region through educational outreach and enforcement activities.
Read about the program’s successes, goals, and achievements in the 2023 El Protector Annual Report.
MISSION
To provide Hispanic/Latino community outreach education addressing the leading causes of fatality and serious injury collisions in Washington while building and promoting positive relationships between law enforcement, the community, and our stakeholders.
MEET THE WASHINGTON STATE PATROL EL PROTECTOR
Trooper Carlos Mata is an 11-year veteran of the Washington State Patrol. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Eastern Washington University, where he studied from 2009 to 2014. Trooper Mata has been assigned to District Three in Kennewick, Washington, since 2015 and continues to serve the community in that role.
Trooper Mata was selected to serve on the Aggressive Driving Apprehension Team (ADAT) from 2017 to 2021 and again from 2023 to 2025. He became a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician in 2018 and was selected as the El Protector Program Coordinator in 2025. Raised in Mattawa, Washington, Trooper Mata grew up in the agricultural community and brings that background and perspective into his work with the public. He is committed to promoting traffic safety, building trust within the community, and fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the diverse populations he serves. Email Carlos Mata at Elprotector@wsp.wa.gov and follow him on Instagram and Twitter.
GOALS
- Reduce the number of fatality collisions involving Hispanic/Latino drivers and/or occupants.
- Reduce the number of felony collisions involving Hispanic/Latino drivers and/or occupants.
- Reduce the number of Hispanic/Latino community members injured or killed as a result of failing to use vehicle occupant restraint equipment.
- Evolve the program to address all traffic safety issues.
- Create a good rapport and break down barriers within the Hispanic/Latino community to provide a better understanding about law enforcement in the State of Washington.
- Earn and maintain trust from the Hispanic/Latino community by being transparent in our dedication to serve all those who live and travel in Washington.