Washington State Patrol

Size and Population

Washington State Patrol covers 71,362 square miles (184,830km).
The estimated population of Washington in 2016 was 7,288,000.
The agency is responsible for the protection of the Governor of Washington and the grounds of the Washington State Capitol.
They provide security aboard the vessels and terminals of the Washington State Ferries.
Washington State Patrol is in charge of law enforcement on interstate and state highways in Washington.

Washington State Highway Patrol was established in 1921 for traffic enforcement.
In 1933, it was renamed and reconstituted as the Washington State Patrol, becoming an armed, mobile police force.
A Criminal Investigation Division was added in 1939, and the WSP academy was established in 1947.
In the 1960s, the State Patrol gained a reputation as the state’s most elite law enforcement agency.
In 1975, the first two female troopers were commissioned, and in 1995, the first female chief of the State Patrol was appointed.

The State Patrol is administered by a chief appointed by the Governor of Washington.
Specialized units include SWAT, Rapid Deployment Forces, Motors Team, Honor Guard, and Criminal Investigations Division.
The State Patrol manages the Washington Fusion Center, which coordinates anti-terrorist and anti-organized crime activities.
The Executive Services Section is responsible for the protection of the Governor and his family, the Governor-Elect, and securing the executive residence and government facilities.
Vessel and Terminal Security is responsible for shipboard law enforcement on Washington State Ferries and monitoring CCTV cameras.

Candidates undergo seven weeks of arming training at the Washington State Patrol Academy.
Trooper Basic Cadet Class consists of 28 weeks of classroom instruction and eight weeks of field training.
After completion, candidates are administered the Troopers Oath and commissioned as peace officers by the Governor.
The State Patrol Academy exclusively trains State Patrol troopers, while other law enforcement officers in the state are trained by the Washington Criminal Justice Training Commission.
The WSP academy is a residential academy, and cadets are barracked on-campus during training.

Washington State Highway Patrol personnel started wearing uniforms in 1924, consisting of grey jackets and riding breeches with brown leather accessories.
In 1928, the uniforms switched to a green pattern with black leather accoutrements.
The State Patrol utilizes various equipment, including Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptors and H&K MP5 submachine guns.
Uniforms have evolved over time, reflecting changes in fashion and functionality.
The State Patrol Academy is used for training troopers and is also utilized by the Washington Criminal Justice Training Commission for emergency vehicle operations courses.