Safety of our families and the communityis crucial to a successful community. The Port Angeles Police Department recognizes its mission to serve in a compassionate, courteous, and professional manner, to promote freedom and peace of mind, pride in our neighborhoods, and the safety for all citizens.
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QUESTIONS ABOUT MARIJUANA USE in PORT ANGELES - November 2012
Voters have passed Initiative 502 and beginning December 6, 2012, it is not a violation of state law for adults over 21 years old to possess up to an ounce of marijuana (or 16 ounces of solid marijuana-infused product, like cookies, or 72 ounces of infused liquid, like oil) for personal use. The initiative establishes a one-year period for the state to develop rules and a licensing system for the marijuana production and sale.
Marijuana legalization creates some challenges for the Port Angeles Police Department (PAPD). PAPD is working to respond to these issues.
While I-502 has decriminalized marijuana possession of up to 29 grams (1 ounce) in Washington State, the new state law does not have any impact on federal law (Title 21 of the United States Code), which classifies marijuana as a Schedule I narcotic. All Port Angeles Police officers have taken an oath to uphold not only state law, but federal law as well.
In the meantime, the Port Angeles Police Department will continue to enforce laws against unlicensed sale or production of marijuana, possession of unlawful amounts of marijuana, possession of any amount by persons under 21 years old, and regulations against driving under the influence of marijuana.
Below is a practical guide for what I-502 might mean for you, beginning December 6, 2012, and based on the Department's current understanding of the initiative. Please keep in mind this is all subject to ongoing state and local review, and describes only the view of the Port Angeles Police Department. As stated previously, all marijuana possession and sale remains illegal under federal law, and the Port Angeles Police Department cannot predict, nor control, the enforcement activities of federal authorities.
Questions About Marijuana Use in Port Angeles - November 2012
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PORT ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
Chief of Police -
Terry Gallagher
Phone: 360-417-4901/ Email: tgallagher@cityofpa.us
PORT ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT PROMISES MADE - PROMISES KEPT Promise to uphold my Oath of Office and the laws of Washington, the United States,
the policies of the Port Angeles Police Department and our Mission at all times.
I further promise to remember every day that I chose this career calling
because I believed then – as I believe now – that I can truly make a positive difference in the lives of others.
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City Receives Award for City-Wide Wireless Connectivity September 13, 2012 - The City of Port Angeles is the recipient of the 2012 Community Broadband Wireless Network of the Year award for planning and deploying an innovative, multi-use, multi-sectoral wireless network to serve public safety, consumers, local government and tribal needs.
The City will officially receive this honor on September 28, 2012, in New Orleans, LA from the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA) at their annual convention. NATOA honors are awarded to exceptional leaders and innovative programs that champion community interests and broadband deployment in local communities nationwide. This award recognizes the City's efforts in creating Metro-Net, the first city-wide wireless network in the state of Washington, and the one of the only wireless networks to share an infrastructure with a separate first-responder public safety network.
Metro-Net will be launched publicly at a press event on October 8, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. PST at The Gateway Plaza, located at 125 E. Front Street, Port Angeles, Washington. Metro-Net will bring mobile connectivity to everyone within the Port Angeles City limits, starting at just $4.95 a month and with a free hour of wireless every day.
Said, City Manager, Dan McKeen, “We worked hard to create a network that is affordable to all users, available everywhere, and with revenue-sharing to keep public investment low. We're happy to report this hard work has paid off, as validated by NATOA.”.......
PORT ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT – OFFICER OF THE YEAR The Port Angeles Department is proud to announce Detective Kori Malone as the Port Angeles Police Department Officer of the Year. Malone received the honor along with other officers and firefighters at an “Officer of the Year” ceremony on May 14, 2012, in Sequim hosted by the Sequim Chapter of the International Footprint Association.
Detective Malone has been with the Port Angeles Police Department since September of 2009. During that time she has distinguished herself as both a patrol officer and as a detective. Detective Malone has been in law enforcement in Washington since 1996 and has worked in a variety of assignments including patrol officer and detective for the Sequim Police Department, and corrections officer for the Whatcom County Sheriff's Department.
She has also served as a field training officer and as instructor in domestic violence training. She has a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Psychology from Western Washington University and a Master's of Criminal Justice Degree from Boston University.
Detective Malone is currently assigned to the Detective Unit in the Port Angeles Police Department. She has been the case agent/lead investigator on a host of complex and long-term criminal investigations. She has distinguished herself through the quality of her work, her strong work ethic, and her capacity to work both as a leader and team member in a busy and demanding law enforcement environment. Her accomplishments are a testimony to the quality and diversity of her training, her experience, her education, and her ability as an individual to work consistently at a very high level.
Police Chief Terry Gallagher, other members of the Port Angeles Police Department and allied agencies, and members of Detective Malone's family were present at the award ceremony that also honored a number of distinguished local law enforcement officers and firefighters. Previous Officer of the Year recipients from the Port Angeles Police Department include Sergeant Jason Viada (2011), Officer John Nutter (2010), and Corporal Bob Ensor (2009).
PORT ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
Brian S. Smith /
Deputy Chief of Police
360-417-4902 / 360-912-0184
Email: bsmith@cityofpa.us
POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL & MID-YEAR REPORTS The Port Angeles Police Department's 2012 Annual Report is available for review.
The Port Angeles Police Department is committed to working, within budgetary constraints, to help make the City of Port Angeles one of the most attractive cities for businesses and people from all walks of life and cultures.
Fundamental to the Department's success is a sense of duty on the part of staff and commitment to behave in a way that does not bring discredit to the employee, the agency, or the community.
We are YOUR police department - a place where integrity matters.
The Department recognizes that they can only meet their mission by working in close partnership with all community stakeholders. The Annual and most recent Quarterly Report is available for your review.
The Department is dedicated to working proactively with the community to provide real solutions to crime and other social issues that threaten to compromise the high quality of life enjoyed by the citizens of Port Angeles....
PORT ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT and PORT TOWNSEND POLICE COMMAND STAFF ATTEND RURAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE Posted December 12, 2011 - The United States Department Office of Justice Program National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center-Small, Rural Tribal & Border Regional Center (NLECTC-SRTBRC) held its twelfth Law Enforcement Technology Institute in Annapolis, MD on December 4-9, 2011.
The Institute is designed for the command staff and supervisory personnel of rural and small law enforcement agencies containing less than 50 sworn officers. Attendees learned about technology, initiatives and issues affecting the rural and small law enforcement community. Participants received information and assistance on existing and developing technologies, worked with problems relating to technology implementation and exchanged technology lessons learned that are of importance to the rural and small law enforcement community.
Port Angeles Police Deputy Chief Brian Smith and Port Townsend Police Sergeant Edgar Green participated with approximately 30 other officers on the informative and innovative event. Some topics of discussion included the deployment of a public safety wireless mesh network, regional and interagency public safety dispatch, crime mapping, aviation technologies, social networking, firearms simulation technologies, trunked radio systems, digital video technologies and camera deployment, and various others.
Deputy Chief of Police Brian Smith stated, “The most beneficial part of the Institute was the interaction with contemporaries. I was exposed to a host of solutions to problems I did not know we had, and was able to put the technology efforts of the Port Angeles Police Department in context with the programs from a wide range of peers across the United States”.
The Institute is funded by the NIJ and there was no cost to the participants and their agencies. Participants are selected on a competitive basis from across the United States. Clallam County Undersheriff Ron Peregrin is a prior participant in the program. For more information on the Rural Law Enforcement Technology Institute, please go to www.justnet.org/srtb .
PORT ANGELES POLICE DETECTIVE HONORED IN OFFICER OF THE YEAR CEREMONY On May 9, 2011 - local, state, and federal law enforcement officers and local firefighters were recognized by the International Footprint Association (Sequim Chapter 74) at a ceremony and dinner at the Sequim Elks Club.
Port Angeles Police Department Detective Corporal Jason Viada was honored as the Port Angeles Police Department “Officer of the Year”.
His 2010 accomplishments included serving as the Acting Detective Unit Supervisor for the last third of the year where the team realized some significant accomplishments.
These included a major reduction in overtime expended by the Detective Unit, 29 suspects sentenced to 673 months of imprisonment, $88,000 in fines, court costs, or restitution ordered after conviction, and 160 new felony cases or received by the unit during 2010 with only 10 cases active or unresolved at year's end.
Detective Corporal Viada has been with the Port Angeles Police Department since 1994 and obtained his Master's Degree in Adult Education from Western Washington University in 2009.
He joins PAPD Officer John Nutter who was honored in 2010, PAPD Corporal Robert Ensor who was honored in 2009, and PAPD Officer Rik Scarpon who was honored by the Sequim Chapter of the International Footprint Association in 2008.
PORT ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
Brian S. Smith /
Deputy Chief of Police
360-417-4902 / 360-912-0184
Email: bsmith@cityofpa.us
The City will operate and maintain these social media sources as a public service to provide information about City programs, services, projects, events, and activities. Information posted is secondary content and features links back to the City's website for more information.
Establishing a presence on Facebook furthers the City's goal to reach a wider audience, engage the public, deliver messages, and connect with citizens.
As directed by City Council, staff will be monitoring activity, time, and costs necessary for a six month trial period. The City's social media policy and direct links to these Facebook pages are available at: www.cityofpa.us/citymanager.htm#smP
So “Find Us” on Facebook and we hope you will “Like” us soon!
POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES PROMOTIONS Posted January 21, 2011 - The Port Angeles Police Department is proud to announce the promotion of Corporal Jesse Winfield to the rank of Sergeant and the promotion of Detective Tom Kuch to Corporal. Both officers applied for these promotions and in addition to their excellent work performance, both scored at the top of an intensive promotion assessment center testing process that occurred this week at City Hall.
Corporal Tom Kuch has been with the Port Angeles Police Department since December of 1998. His new assignment is as an assistant shift supervisor/relief watch commander assigned to a patrol shift. His prior assignments with the Port Angeles Police Department include Detective, School Resource Officer, Field Training Officer, and Police Officer. He began his career as a Communications and Corrections Officer in Forks and worked for the Clallam County Sheriff's Department as a Corrections Officer and Deputy Sheriff prior to coming to the Port Angeles Police Department. He will continue in his role as PAPD mental health liaison and crisis intervention training facilitator. Corporal Kuch is known for his varied volunteer work and as an accomplished youth sports coach.
Sergeant Jesse Winfield has been with the Port Angeles Police Department for over eighteen years. His new assignment will be that of shift supervisor/watch commander in charge of a patrol shift. His prior assignments include two years as a Patrol Corporal, ten years as a PAPD Detective, Field Training Officer, and seven years as Police Officer. Sergeant Winfield has led or been a team member on numerous complex and long term criminal investigations, as well as numerous high profile events. He also worked for the Olympia Police Department for over three years (prior to coming to the Port Angeles Police Department), has received numerous awards and recognition throughout his career, is active in the community, and is also an accomplished youth sports coach.
Corporal Tom Kuch
Sergeant Jesse Winfield
Sergeant Jesse Winfield and Corporal Tom Kuch (with their families and many in the Police Department present) were sworn in by Chief Terry Gallagher at a ceremony at the Port Angeles Police Department on Friday, January 21, 2011. The City of Port Angeles is very proud of both Jesse and Tom, and continues to be very fortunate to have persons of this caliber working for the Port Angeles Police Department and serving the community and citizens of Port Angeles.
PORT ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
Brian S. Smith /
Deputy Chief of Police
360-417-4902 / 360-912-0184
Email: bsmith@cityofpa.us
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~ In Partnership With the Community ~
CALL CRIMESTOPPERS TO REPORT INFORMATION
The Port Angeles Police Department greatly appreciates the public's vigilance in maintaining a safe community for all, especially children. As always, parents should teach their children basic safety practices such as staying in a group, and should a child be approached inappropriately to yell out "NO", and run to the closest trusted adult.
1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
Unless it is an emergency situation, the best avenue for reporting possible suspects or information for this, or other crimes, is through CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Most major crimes are solved not by brilliant investigative work, but as a direct result of information provided by the public. Witnesses, however, are often reluctant to provide information to law enforcement for two reasons - fear and apathy.
CrimeStoppers works because it is designed to overcome fear by allowing citizens to remain anonymous, and overcome apathy by offering cash rewards for information leading to the solution of major crimes. If you have information, remember that your tip can be given anonymously. You will not be asked to identify yourself; you will be identified by a number only. Any reward you are entitled to can also be paid without your identity being given.
The program provides the police with information regarding specific crimes and pays a reward of up to $1000 for information that leads to any arrest with the filing of felony charges. Persons calling in tips do not have to give their name and may remain anonymous if they wish. The 24-hour toll free phone number for North Olympic Crime Stoppers is 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL & MID-YEAR REPORTS The Port Angeles Police Department's 2012 Annual Report is available for review.
The Port Angeles Police Department is committed to working, within budgetary constraints, to help make the City of Port Angeles one of the most attractive cities for businesses and people from all walks of life and cultures.
Fundamental to the Department's success is a sense of duty on the part of staff and commitment to behave in a way that does not bring discredit to the employee, the agency, or the community.
We are YOUR police department - a place where integrity matters.
The Department recognizes that they can only meet their mission by working in close partnership with all community stakeholders. The Annual and most recent Quarterly Report is available for your review.
The Department is dedicated to working proactively with the community to provide real solutions to crime and other social issues that threaten to compromise the high quality of life enjoyed by the citizens of Port Angeles....
The City of Port Angeles is testing for a continuous Civil Service eligibility list.
The Port Angeles Police Department is a progressive, State-accredited, community policing oriented, professional agency currently consisting of 33 commissioned employees, and a civilian contingent of 27 who are primarily responsible for records and 911 dispatch.
The Department has an assigned school resources officer in addition to other staffing including a downtown officer, drug task force officer, two K-9 officers, and a detective division. Most officers are assigned a “take home” vehicle upon completion of probation. The department anticipates hiring three officers in 2008.
Salary : $4,135 - $4,924 per month, or $49,623 - $59,093 annually. (2008 salary pending).
Benefits: Commissioned officers are represented by Teamsters Local #589 and contractual benefits include a salary competitive with other agencies of a similar size, paid vacation, sick leave and holidays; overtime pay, quarter- master uniform system, standby pay, education incentive pay, longevity pay, and 3.1% deferred compensation.
Requirements:
• Must be a minimum of 21-years of age at time of hire and a United States citizen.
• Associates degree or equivalent 90-quarter credits is required.
• Bachelor's degree with coursework in criminal justice and public service experience is preferred.
• An applicant must have completed preliminary testing with www.publicsafetytesting.com and requested testing results to be sent to City of Port Angeles.
• Other necessary skills: excellent communication skills and good physical experience.
• Must pass a background investigation, polygraph and psychological examination, and pre-employment physical examination prior to hire.
• Must have a good driving record and valid Washington State driver's license at the time.
• Must have no felony criminal convictions or any other conviction that would disqualify a successful applicant. See special employment requirements on the back.
• Must be willing to work any shift assigned, weekends and holidays in a 24-hour, 7-day a week operation.
• Must successfully complete the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Basic Academy (or equivalency academy), a 14-week Field Training program, and a 12-month probationary period following the completion of the State academy.
To apply for Civil Service eligibility testing: When Human Resources receives your score, you will automatically be sent an application, checklist and veteran's preference form (if applicable) to apply.
Contact: Abbigail Gales agates@cityofpa.us or 360-417-4510
Human Resources, 321 E 5th Street, Port Angeles, WA 98362
Civil Service Testing Process:
The Civil Service testing process for this position includes completion of Public Safety Testing exam, and completion of a computerized written exercise and interview with the City of Port Angeles.
• Applicants must meet the minimum requirements to be invited for further testing.
• Applicants requesting “veterans preference” must complete and submit the appropriate form and a copy of their DD-214 at the time of application.
• Test scores are weighted, combined, and rank-ordered to form the eligibility list, and applicants must pass each portion of the exam to be ranked on the list.
• Each applicant will receive notice of his or her standing and rank on the eligibility list.
Hiring Information:
Upon certification of the eligibility list, the Police Department will receive the top five names on the list for the current vacancy, as per the Civil Services rules, to proceed with interviews and further screening as determined, which may include the background check, polygraph, psychological, and pre-employment medical exam.
Special Employment Requirements
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WANTED! - ENTRY LEVEL& LATERAL POLICE OFFICERS
The Port Angeles Police Department is a progressive, State-accredited, community policing oriented, professional agency currently consisting of 27 commissioned employees, and a civilian contingent of 27 who are primarily responsible for records and 911 dispatch.
The Department has an assigned school resources officer in addition to other staffing including a detective division, one crime prevention officer and two K-9 officers.
Most officers are assigned a “take home” vehicle upon completion of probation. The department anticipates hiring 3 officers in 2008.
The City of Port Angeles is testing for a continuous Civil Service eligibiity list....
Call 911 should you have an emergency, or call 360-452-4545 for general information. Listen to your local radio station 1450 AM.
Refer to your telephone book for information regarding other emergency assistance. Make sure you have stored a minimum of one gallon of water, per person, per day.
Upward Trend in Thefts - How You Can Help Port Angeles Police Department has seen an upward trend in the occurrence of thefts. Police are asking citizens to help reduce theft incidents by reducing the opportunity to steal. Also, citizens can help by reporting suspicious activities when they are observed.
Without help from our citizens, thefts will likely exceed the norm this year.
Theft crimes include shoplifting, thefts from buildings, thefts from vehicles, and other unclassified thefts. Theft from vehicles is the category most beyond the norm, accounting for 219 of 533 reported thefts. Vehicle prowl suspects are often motivated by a need for cash or items to trade for drugs or other substances of abuse.
You can help prevent vehicle prowl:
• Always park in well lit, populated areas
• Always remove, or store out of sight, all valuables left in your car
• Always roll the windows up
• Always lock all doors, including hatchbacks etc.
• Mark valuable property so that it can be identified if stolen, take part in Operation I.D., and display an Operation I.D. sticker on your car window to alert would be thieves that your property is marked.
• Install smooth, narrow locking buttons on your door locks to make forcing your locks more difficult.
• Consider a car alarm, if you keep very valuable items in your car, i.e., stereo/radio equipment.
• Watch for and report suspicious activities in your neighborhood, i.e., unfamiliar person looking into parked cars as they walk through the neighborhood.
A suspicious activity is one that does not fit the norm for the neighborhood or the surrounding area. A suspicious activity draws your attention because a person's conduct is unusual, different, odd, dangerous, appears wrongful, or is not-just-right under the circumstances.
For example, you notice two persons walking down the street during the hours of darkness. As the persons walk, one of them keeps looking into parked cars and trying door handles. This behavior is obviously not normal, and you should, at that time, phone police and report the occurrence. These persons may be looking for a car, or items within a car, to steal.
Your observation that an occurrence appears to be suspicious is enough to justify a call to law enforcement. There might be a reasonable explanation for the suspicious activity, there might not be. By reporting the suspicious activity to law enforcement and allowing them to investigate, you just might stop a crime from occurring or help law enforcement gain custody of a wanted offender.
If you witness a crime in progress - call 911 immediately.
To report other incidents, or if you have any helpful information, please contact the Police Department at 452-4545.
Interested in receiving City of Port Angeles News Releases via email? All you have to do is send an email to webmaster@cityofpa.us to be included. 
The Port Angeles Police Department's 2012 Annual Report is available for review.
Special Employment Requirements
The Department has an assigned school resources officer in addition to other staffing including a detective division, one crime prevention officer and two K-9 officers. 
Port Angeles Police Department has seen an upward trend in the occurrence of thefts. Police are asking citizens to help reduce theft incidents by reducing the opportunity to steal. Also, citizens can help by reporting suspicious activities when they are observed. 