by Tahlia Ganser
The Washington State Patrol is hailed as the best state law enforcement agency in the nation for 2007, Gov. Chris Gregoire announced today.
The International Association of Chiefs of Police chose the agency for the “Law Enforcement Challenge” for excellence in reducing deaths and injuries in highway collisions.
Last year, the Washington State Patrol was designated the best state police agency of its size.
“This year the agency moved up to be named the role model for all public safety agencies,” Gregoire said in a news release from her office. “Each of our families is safer because of the lifesaving work done by these men and women.”
Judges for the award measure traffic enforcement, public education and occupant protection. Once an agency wins its category, the next year it competes in the higher champion class, the release says. The WSP was up against 23 other policing agencies this year in that class, which it won.
“This is an exceptional honor,” said State Patrol Chief John R. Batiste in the release. “It belongs to the men and women of WSP who are committed to reducing deaths and injuries on Washington highways.”
In 2007, there were about 70 fewer highway deaths than in 2006, the release states.
• Tahlia Ganser can be reached at 360-416-2148 or at .
