WSP Press Release - Capitol Campus Tagging Response
Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 05/17/2008 - 22:55.
(Copwatcher note: This will likely increase WSP
visible patrols in ALL of downtown, not just on the
Capitol Campus. Various state buildings downtown fit
this description.)
We have extensive lists of which WSP car numbers are
which officers, and a list of those observed in the
area. If you have an interaction which needs
follow-up, you can browse
http://www.copwatch.zinelibrary.info/?q=node/4
( www.olycopwatch.org redirects to the above )
The format is: XXX WSP or XXXX SP where four X's and
"SP" is a fleet vehicle and three (sometimes four,
XXXXWSP without the space) is the badge number of the
officer assigned to the specific vehicle. Helmet
numbers will probably only be seen during civil
disturbance (or to put it more accurately, defense of
criminal / military activity).
FWD follows:
Washington State Patrol
Media Release
Chief John R. Batiste
Captain Jeff DeVere
Government and Media Relations
(360) 753-5299 – office
(360) 753-5469 – fax
***For Immediate Release***
Date: May 13, 2008
Contact: Sergeant Ted Dehart
Phone: (360) 507-3454
WSP to Boost Patrols on Capitol Campus
Olympia - The Washington State Patrol Capitol Campus
Detachment has increased foot patrols and adjusted to
a more random patrol schedule to decrease the amount
of graffiti and to deter other illegal activities
occurring on State property around Olympia .
The State Patrol has the responsibility provide law
enforcement services to ensure a safe environment for
state employees and visitors on the Capitol Campus
grounds. To provide the services required the State
Patrol must strike a balance between the rights
guaranteed for people to protest peacefully on the
Capitol grounds and to maintain public safety.
“We take our responsibility to protect the Capitol
Campus very seriously, but we understand the unique
access requirements the campus has with the citizens
of Washington ,” said Captain Mark E. Couey, Special
Operations Division Commander, Washington State
Patrol.
Recent events has led to some state buildings being
“tagged” with graffiti costing the state thousands of
dollars in cleaning and repair costs. The State
Patrol will conduct additional foot patrols on Capitol
Campus to increase their presence during times when
vandalism and other illegal activities are more likely
to occur.
Campus troopers patrol over 3 million square feet of
office space in 33 buildings and 435 acres of land, to
include five parks. The terrain of the campus grounds
requires troopers to utilize a variety of techniques
and modes of transportation such as patrol vehicles,
mountain bikes and walking patrols. By patrolling
campus grounds troopers provide a visual deterrent to
unlawful activity. The Capitol Campus Detachment is
committed to maintaining a safe environment for state
employees and visitors as they enjoy the Washington
State Capitol Campus Grounds.
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