John R. Batiste

This program report details the Washington State Patrol's commitment to enhancing safety and security for all communities, with a focus on the El Protector program. The program aims to reduce fatality and felony collisions, particularly among Hispanic/Latino drivers, through targeted community outreach, education, and robust media partnerships. Key strategic pillars include fostering positive relationships and trust between law enforcement and diverse communities, addressing risky driving behaviors such as impaired and distracted driving, promoting occupant restraint use, and recruiting a diverse workforce to support equity and inclusion. These efforts contribute to the state's broader 'Target Zero' Strategic Highway Safety Plan, which seeks to eliminate highway deaths by 2030.

The event celebrated the K9 Monument dedication and a Canine Graduation. A key focus was honoring the life of Patrick, an explosive detection K9 assigned to Trooper Mike Allen. The event also recognized five new K9 teams successfully completing their training. The graduating teams included Trooper Daron Phil hopper and Hank (a Labrador Retriever assigned to Seattle), Trooper Kevan 14oh and Luna (a Labrador Retriever assigned to Bremerton), Trooper Steve Gardner and Mitchell (a Labrador Retriever assigned to the Homeland Security Division), Trooper McGee and Major (a German Shepherd assigned to Bremerton), and Trooper Ritchie and Decker (a German Shepherd with 15 years of handler experience, also assigned to the Homeland Security Division training detachment).

This plan outlines a comprehensive approach to managing and preserving the facilities of the Washington State Patrol, focusing on addressing aging infrastructure and reducing deferred maintenance. It details the current condition of facilities, capital preservation needs, strategic planning efforts, and prioritization criteria for future investments. Key priorities include ensuring employee safety, supporting mission delivery, protecting state assets, and improving energy performance. The overarching goal is to ensure WSP facilities remain safe, functional, and aligned with the agency's mission to enhance public safety across Washington State.

The Washington State Patrol's Strategic Plan for 2026-2032 aims to enhance the safety and security of all people and communities by providing public safety services. It is structured around five key pillars: Safer Roadways, Enhanced Public Safety & Trust, Quality Service & Innovation, Effective Incident Response, and a Highly Skilled & Engaged Workforce. The plan's vision is to be the best public safety agency in the United States, achieved through core values such as leadership, professional excellence, integrity, and continuous improvement, and by developing community partnerships, modernizing infrastructure, and leveraging technology.

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) PEAR Team was created to develop and implement a Pro-Equity Anti-Racism (PEAR) Strategic Action Plan, in accordance with Governor Jay Inslee's directive. This plan aims to foster a culture of equity, access, and belonging for all, by engaging community members and assessing policies and practices from an equity standpoint. The plan acts as a guiding document for WSP's continued work of ensuring it remains a pro-equity and anti-racist public safety agency.