Unmarked patrol vehicles are used for a variety of reasons, like catching speeding or aggressive drivers.
We’ve been getting a lot of questions lately as to whether or not they are legal under Washington State law.
The answer is, yes.
Legally speaking
RCW 46.08.065 states the Washington State Patrol (WSP) is allowed to use unmarked vehicles for general undercover or confidential investigative purposes and traffic control under the discretion of the Chief.
To read the full RCW, click here.
The Washington State Patrol’s Aggressive Driving Apprehension Team (ADAT)
The ADAT program is a proactive effort to locate and arrest aggressive drivers. They use unmarked/unconventional police vehicles equipped with mobile video cameras to detect and apprehend such drivers.
They’re looking for people making unsafe lane changes, following too closely, going 20+ mph over the speed limit, etc.
The Washington State Patrol’s Commercial Vehicle Division also uses unmarked patrol vehicles.
Why the WSP Uses Unmarked Vehicles
Many Troopers prefer driving the fully marked, white Patrol vehicles— mainly because of its visibility. Trooper John Lizama explains marked Patrol cars create a “halo effect” on the roadways. In other words, drivers put down their cell phones, stop speeding, and become perfect law-abiding citizens.
However, unmarked vehicles give Troopers the opportunity to see people’s driving habits and provide education on how to change their behavior. ADAT Trooper Josh Sanborn says by being unmarked, Troopers are able to address the main concerns Washingtonians call 911 about. For example, most people won’t speed or camp out in the left lane in front of a marked vehicle…but they may do it in front of an unmarked vehicle. ADAT Troopers have the ability to address those problems.
To learn more about why we use unmarked vehicles, check out the video below:
Concerns
Some Washington State residents are concerned the use of unmarked patrol vehicles could make it difficult to tell the difference between a legitimate Trooper and police impersonators.
Sergeant James Prouty says Troopers will always be in uniform and identify themselves when they approach the car. He adds the Patrol trains Troopers to pull people over in safe areas to minimize any risk.
“If you’re doubtful or unsure/uncomfortable of the situation, comply with the officer, pull over to the side of the road, and immediately call 911. Dispatchers will be able to tell you if it’s the real deal or not,” Sergeant Prouty says.
Charles Baker drove to the fairgrounds to pick up his wife from her job at the fair. He had spent the afternoon drinking and was under the influence of alcohol as he drove toward the fair. Baker was traveling about 30-35 miles per hour when he struck Trooper Eichhorn in the intersection. Trooper Eichhorn was transported to Tacoma General Hospital where he remained in a coma until he died from his injuries three days later. At the time of his death, Trooper Eichhorn had served twelve years with the Washington State Patrol as a Trooper.
