The Patrol Section of the Walla Walla Police Department is currently made up of 24 Officers and 4 Sergeants split into 4 Squads working 12 hour shifts. They are responsible for providing around the clock professional law enforcement services for our community. Often referred to as the backbone of the police department, these officers are carefully selected and highly trained.

Services provided:

• Patrol
• Parking Enforcement
• Animal Control

Patrol Services

Patrol work is complex and critical. It can be summarized by listing the following activities:

• Deterring crime through directed patrol
• Enforcing the laws
• Investigating criminal behavior
• Apprehending offenders
• Writing reports
• Coordinating efforts with the prosecutor
• Assisting individuals in danger or in need of other assistance
• Conflict resolution
• Keeping the peace
• Maintaining order
• Keeping pedestrian and automobile traffic moving
• Assisting with special events such as parades, festivals and fun runs

When officers are not assigned to a call, they are performing other tasks such as code enforcement, traffic enforcement and warrant service.

Each of our patrol cars are equipped with the most modern computers to assist in these tasks. Within seconds, officers can check to see if someone is wanted, a car is stolen, or a driver is suspended, all from their laptops. Each car has an evidence kit and other tools to assist them in the performance of their duties.

Traffic Enforcement

Many of the activities Patrol performs are related to Community Oriented Policing. Proactive traffic enforcement:

• Makes our roadways safer
• Reduces crime
• Improves the quality of life in our neighborhoods
• Removes impaired drivers from the road
• Enforces speed limits
• Enforces rules of the road thus preventing traffic collisions
• Opportunity for officers to reinforce the importance of seat belt and child seat use, which prevent injuries and deaths
• Results in numerous criminal apprehensions

Traffic Safety Programs

Additionally, officers participate in educating the public about traffic safety issues through such programs as:

• "Every 15 Minutes," a DUI awareness program
• The DUI Victim's Panel
• Bicycle safety fairs

If you are interested in riding along with an officer, you will need to stop by the Police Department to complete a request form.