A Joint Operations Policy Statement

# Prepared and agreed to by the 

## Washington State Patrol 

# and the 

**Washington State Department\
of Transportation**

### February 13, 2002

**Last update: 2/13/02**

\"The purpose of this Joint Operations Policy Statement is to document
the joint policy positions between the Washington State Patrol and the
Washington State Department of Transportation regarding issues of mutual
interest in the operations of Washington State Highways. This policy
statement supercedes the \"WSDOT/WSP Interagency Joint Operations Policy
Statement - Jan. 19, 1999.\"

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Chief Ronal Serpas Secretary Douglas B. MacDonald

Washington State Patrol Washington State Dept. of Transportation

Date: [Feb. 13, 2002]{.underline} Date: [Feb. 13, 2002]{.underline}

***Index***

1.  Agency Missions and Organizational Alignment

    a.  Washington State Patrol

    b.  Washington State Department of Transportation

    c.  Joint Operations

2.  Data Sharing

    a.  General

    b.  Budget

3.  Traffic Management

    a.  Coordinated Public Communication

        i.  Traveler Information

        ii. Media

    b.  Service Patrols

    c.  Enforcement processes

    d.  Incident response

        i.  Road Ranger Program

        ii. Hazardous material handling

        iii. Tow truck use

        iv. Accident clearance and civil liability (Damaged Load
            Clearance)

        v.  Expedited investigations

        vi. Incident Command System

    e.  Event planning

    f.  Disaster Response

    g.  Winter driving

4.  Work Zone Safety

5.  Commercial Vehicles

    a.  Weigh Stations

    b.  Permitting and Weight Enforcement

    c.  Commercial Vehicle Safety Inspections

    d.  CVISN / WIM

6.  Joint Facilities

7.  Wireless Communication

8.  Washington State Ferries

9.  Transportation System Security

10. Safety Rest Areas

11. Policy Performance Measures

12. Policy training

13. Policy Update Process

14. Appendices

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1.  Agency Missions and Organizational Alignment

    a.  **Washington State Patrol**

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) was established in 1921 and operates
under the authority of R.C.W. 43.43.010, which gives full police powers
to the commissioned officers of the department. The Washington State
Patrol is comprised of the following six bureaus;

-   Field Operations Bureau (FOB)

-   Investigative Services Bureau (ISB)

-   Technical Services Bureau (TSB)

-   State Fire Protection Bureau

-   Forensic Services Bureau

-   Management Services Bureau

The Chief of the WSP commands all department employees. The chain of
command continues as follows;

-   Deputy Chiefs are appointed by the Chief, this person is in charge
    of a bureau.

-   Captains are appointed by the Chief, these people command a district
    or other command area and are accountable to a bureau commander;

-   Lieutenants are appointed on a permanent basis from a promotional
    list; they command a section, unit, or other command area and are
    accountable to a captain;

-   Sergeants are appointed on a permanent basis from a promotional
    list; they supervise a section, detachment or unit; and

-   Trooper are a permanent appointment by the Chief upon graduation
    from the academy

The Washington State Patrol (commissioned) traffic officers work traffic
law enforcement or in direct support of traffic enforcement. These
positions include:

-   Traffic officers (troopers);

-   Traffic sergeants;

-   Traffic assistance detectives;

-   Traffic assistance detective sergeants; and

-   Lieutenants and command officers assigned to the Field Operations
    Bureau

The WSP is divided into eight geographical areas designated as
districts. A captain who is directly accountable to the FOB commander
commands each of these districts.

The distribution of troopers is based on service needs within each
districts' Autonomous Patrol Area (APA). An APA is an area within a
district where specific detachments patrol and respond to calls for
service.

Some investigations may require immediate response and investigation.
The Traffic Investigation Division (TID) provides specialized
investigative services. Upon receiving notification from a traffic
sergeant or a district command officer the appropriate TID supervisor
shall assign a detective to conduct follow up investigations. The TID
commander (captain) is directly accountable to the ISB commander.

The Commercial Vehicle Division (CVD) is responsible for commercial
vehicle safety requirements, to include freight terminal safety audits
under R.C.W. 46.32.080. The CVD commander (captain) is directly
accountable to the ISB commander.

The communications division is responsible to expedite communications
between mobile units and District offices as well as other governmental
agencies and the general public. The regional communications centers are
located at the district headquarters offices. These communications
centers operate 24 hours a day to ensure timely response and
availability for calls for service. The Communications Division manager
is directly accountable to the TSB commander.

The Property Management Division (PMD) is responsible for providing
facilities management through the capital and operating budget process.
The PMD manager is directly accountable to the Management Service
Bureau. This division consists of the following three sections:

-   Fleet;

-   Supply; and

-   Property Management.

The Information Technology Division (ITD) provides the WSP with
technology and software engineering, as well as field support. This
includes mobile radio and statewide telecommunications (microwave, data,
and voice). The division also provides project management, application
development, a 24-hour help desk, and system maintenance. The ITD
manager is directly accountable to the TSB commander.

The Government and Media Relations office serves two functions for the
Office of the Chief. The commander of this office (captain) serves as
the WSP's legislative liaison, responsible for coordinating agency
legislation with legislators, committees, and other state agencies. The
liaison also reviews and seeks input from interested stakeholders on
agency legislation and answers policy questions for legislative
constituents. This office also handles all statewide media relations for
the agency.

Budget and Fiscal Services is responsible for the management off all WSP
financial activities and allotting the department's operating and
capital budgets. The commander (captain) of this office is directly
accountable to the Management Service Bureau.

a.  **Washington State Department of Transportation**

The Washington State Department of Transportation was first created by
the State Legislature as a State Highway Department in 1905. It was
further organized into highway districts (the precursor to today's
Transportation Regions) in 1925. In 1951, the State Highway Commission
was formed to govern the Highway Department. Further, the Highway
Department also assumed the functions of the then Puget Sound Ferry
System. In 1977, today's Department of Transportation was created.

The Transportation Commission governs the policy and budget actions of
the Department, as well as selecting the Secretary of Transportation.
The Commission is a seven member body, appointed by the Governor, and
represents all transportation interests in Washington. Commissioners
serve six year terms and no more than four of them can be from the same
side of the state or affiliated with the same political party.

The mission of the WSDOT is to "keep people and business moving by
operating and improving the state transportation systems vital to our
taxpayers and communities." The Department of Transportation is
organized with a headquarters function to provide centralized guidance
and a field function to provide decentralized implementation of
transportation policies. The Secretary of Transportation is an
ex-officio member of the Transportation Commission and is the chief
executive officer of the DOT. The Office of the Secretary of
Transportation contains the following functions:

1.  Chief of Staff

2.  Engineering and Regional Operations Division\
    This Division includes Planning and Capital Programs, Environmental
    and Engineering Programs, and Maintenance and Operations Programs.
    The Maintenance and Operations Programs include the Maintenance
    Office; Traffic Office; Facilities and Equipment Office (which
    includes Radio) and Employee Safety Programs.\
    Four of the six transportation regions report to this Division
    (Southwest, North Central, South Central, and Eastern)

3.  Northwest Division\
    This Division includes the Northwest Region, the Olympic Region, and
    the Urban Corridors Office.

4.  Washington State Ferries

5.  Administration and Support

6.  Audit Office

7.  Equal Opportunity Office

DOT Transportation regions are led by Region Administrators who report
to the Office of the Secretary. The Region's boundaries were originally
determined based on the number of state highway centerline miles in each
region and are divided into the Northwest, North Central, Olympic, South
Central, Southwest and Eastern Regions. With few exceptions, each Region
manages the maintenance, operations, and construction activities within
their geographical boundaries.

a.  **Joint Operations**

**Policy:** Valuable coordination has resulted from numerous facilities
where WSP and WSDOT have co-located operations. It is the policy for WSP
and WSDOT to continue to leverage the advantages of co-locating
including WSDOT Traffic Management Centers (TMC's) and WSP dispatch
centers.

**Roles:** Reviews of joint operations will be conducted annually.

**Action:** WSDOT and WSP will continue to implement plans for joint
operations centers where co-location has not yet occurred.

2.  Data Sharing

    a.  General

**Policy:** It is the intent of the WSDOT and WSP to share information
needed to facilitate joint operations of state highways. This
information is envisioned to consist of things like:

-   CAD access and user training

-   Real time traffic flow, road, collision, and weather information

-   Video from surveillance cameras

-   Video road inventories, like SRView

-   Speed Data

-   Geo-spatial data, including Interchange Drawings

**Roles:** WSP and WSDOT will create a standard for data sharing. Such
as:

-   Data content and formatting

-   Data documentation and Meta-data

-   Data collection and update methods and procedures

-   Data accuracy

-   Data update cycles

-   Third party data

-   Stewardship

Information will be shared between agencies at the same cost as if the
information were shared between programs within the agency. (Cost
recovery data will be shared at the same rate). Memorandum of
Understandings will be used to document the sharing of information,
which would cover the items addressed in the standards.

**Action:** WSDOT and WSP will work to transition the collision data
reporting system from WSP to WSDOT per the budget notes of the 2001
Legislative Session. This will require joint development and support of
the needed legislation in the 2003 Legislative Session.

a.  Budget

WSDOT and WSP will strategically plan and coordinate the development of
budget initiatives that involve activities performed by both agencies
before submittal to OFM and the Legislature.

OFM Budget Instructions include the following Statement:

"If applicable, agencies should describe key programs or initiatives
involving major partners, such as other state agencies. The description
should include a clear statement of each partner's responsibilities. We
strongly encourage agencies to coordinate with these major partners and
with OFM during the budget development process to share initiatives and
plans."

3.  Traffic Management

    a.  Coordinated Public Communication

**Policy:** It is the policy of WSDOT and WSP to coordinate public
information messages and outreach on issues that affect both agencies
and/or their customers. Sample areas of coordination include highway
incidents, special events such as the winter and pass driving, "Give 'em
a Brake" campaign, or new policy initiatives such as "Steer it and Clear
It" and the Operations Initiative.

**Roles:** WSDOT will disseminate road and traveler information through
the HAR, VMS, web and 1.800.695 ROAD phone line. WSP will disseminate
road and traveler information by referring citizens to the WSDOT site
and through its communications centers and public information officers.

i.  Traveler Information

**Policy:** Communicating timely and accurate information to the public
on traffic and travel conditions including restrictions and information
on incidents allows the public to make decisions about their traveling
convenience and safety. To accomplish this important communication
activity it is the policy of WSDOT and WSP to provide information using
Highway Advisory Radio (HAR), Variable Message Signs (VMS), the
Internet, telephone hotlines, and through partnership with the media. It
is the policy to ensure that this information is updated within 10
minutes of a change in conditions.

**Roles:** It is the role of the WSDOT Traffic Management Centers
(TMCs), and Washington State Ferries (WSF) Operations Center functioning
as a TMC, to communicate using the various tools mentioned above the
traffic and travel conditions and restrictions. The TMCs will
disseminate the messages with proper coordination with WSP and WSDOT
Public Information Officers.

It will be the role of WSDOT Maintenance, WSDOT Incident Response Teams,
WSF Operations Center, WSDOT sponsored Service Patrols and WSP to
provide the TMC's and the public with accurate and timely information on
the status of emergency responses and traffic conditions.

**Reference:** Chapter 2 of the WSDOT Traffic Manual (M 51-02). Policy
on the use of VMS, Policy on the use of HAR.

**Action:** WSDOT TMCs will work with WSP Districts to develop standard
operating procedures for use of HAR, VMS, Hotlines, the Internet, etc.

ii. Media

##### Policy: It is the policy of WSP and WSDOT that press releases affecting the other agency will be shared with the affected agency prior to their release.

b.  Service Patrols

**Policy:** During peak congestion periods, on some of the most heavily
traveled freeways, roving service patrols will assist motorists by
clearing lane-blocking debris, disabled vehicles and their occupants,
and resolving other problems within the ability and scope of the WSP and
WSDOT.

**Roles:** WSDOT TMC managers will administer day-to-day management of
WSP Agreements and Registered Tow Truck Operators (RTTO) Contracts for
these Service Patrol services. In addition, WSP will provide some
service patrols using cadets.

**Reference:** WSDOT Agreement GCA - 1932; GA Procurement Contract
13199; Service Patrol Study, Nov. 14, 1998; Evaluation of Service Patrol
Program, August, 2001 draft.

**Action:** Working with WSP, the Washington Tow truck Association
(WTTA), and the WSDOT TMC in the Tacoma area, initiate a pilot test of
\"expedited tow, or instant dispatch\", as recommended in the November,
1998 Study. Also, WSDOT will advertise for a "renewable term\" RTTO
contract through the Dept. of General Administration. Finally, WSDOT and
WSP will jointly develop a plan for education legislative membership on
the decision package to expand service patrols.

c.  Enforcement processes

**Policy:** The quality of life in Washington State is heavily dependent
upon the free movement of people and vehicles. The WSP and the WSDOT
share the responsibility for achieving and maintaining the degree of
order necessary to make this free movement possible. Implicit in the
objective of facilitating the movement of people on the interstate and
state route systems and state designated ferry routes, is the overriding
concern for their safety.

The WSP, in cooperation with the WSDOT, support enforcement processes
that facilitate the efficient movement of people and vehicles that
travel on the interstate and state route, and state designated ferry
route, systems. This includes, but is not limited to the necessary
enforcement of traffic laws and regulatory signs (i.e. HOV and Required
Traction Devices), the investigation of traffic collisions, and the
direction of traffic to facilitate the safe and expeditious movement of
vehicles and pedestrians.

**Roles:** In order to obtain compliance with traffic laws, provide the
necessary and appropriate driver education, and to develop driver
awareness of the causes of traffic collisions, WSP officers issue
warnings, infraction notices, cites, or arrests traffic violators. WSP
officers are aware of and sensitive to the fact that these enforcement
processes can contribute to traffic congestion.

**Action:** WSP officers will take the necessary steps to mitigate the
traffic congestion caused by enforcement processes whenever possible.

d.  Incident response

**Policy:** The WSP and WSDOT will collaborate to respond to incidents
and coordinate all public and private resources in this effort to work
toward clearing incidents within 90 minutes. It is the policy of WSP and
WSDOT to effectively use resources to expedite responding to incidents,
efficiently and effectively conduct needed investigations, and reduce
highway lane and state designated ferry route closures to a minimum.

**Action:** WSP will begin conversations with emergency medical services
and fire districts to explore ways to reduce highway incident blockage
time.

i.  Road Ranger Program

**Policy:** The WSDOT will deploy Road Rangers on congested freeways and
highways where and when incidents cause significant congestion. These
well-coordinated, strategically positioned, fleet and qualified staff
will rove in a service patrol mode (see above) during the hours of the
day when congestion occurs and will respond to incidents when they
occur.

**Roles:** During major incidents (incidents lasting 30 minutes or
more), the priorities for Road Rangers are to first, coordinate with
WSP, emergency responders, and second, provide traffic control for a
safe incident zone, and third, provide incident and traffic condition
information to the TMC for traveler information.

If funded in the WSDOT budget request, the WSP will deploy the
helicopter to respond to serious incidents with an estimated clearance
time of 45 minutes or more to first, expedite investigations of
incidents, and second, provide incident information and traffic
condition information to dispatch centers and TMCs, and third, provide a
tool for traffic management.

**Reference:** IRT manuals, procedures, training to be identified.

**Action:** WSP and WSDOT Identify where and when Road Rangers and the
helicopter should be deployed and jointly support funding to implement
needed resources.

ii. Hazardous material handling

**Policy:** On all state and interstate highway corridors and in other
political subdivisions that have designated the State Patrol as Incident
Commander, the first arriving Trooper at the scene of a collision
involving hazardous material will assume the role of Incident Commander.
Other "first responders" will be trained to recognize hazardous
materials and follow procedures to ensure qualified clean-up resources
are available to expedite the removal of hazardous materials. The policy
of WSDOT and WSP is to coordinate the removal of hazardous materials
within the targeted time frame of 90 minutes.

**Roles:** WSDOT Traffic Office, WSF and WSP Field Operations will work
with Department of Ecology and/or the USCG as appropriate/necessary to
identify how hazardous material clean-up will be accomplished within the
time needed to meet the target of clearing incidents within 90 minutes.
WSF must also work with both the WSP and the U.S. Coast Guard, who has
ultimate authority over WSF actions in a hazardous materials spill on a
vessel.

Troopers and other first responders will attempt to identify the
hazardous material, divert traffic, isolate and evacuate the area and
deny entry. The trooper or other first responder will also make initial
notifications necessary to deal with the incident; including fire, EMS,
Department of Ecology, etc. Under the Unified Command System, troopers
will then direct a coordinated response to the incident with assistance
of other agencies at the scene.

Hazardous material incidents occurring at weigh stations will result in
the immediate closure of the weigh station, isolation of the vehicle,
evacuation of the area and denying of entry. Assistance will be
requested and the first trooper arriving on the scene will assume
Incident Command.

**Action:** The WSDOT Traffic Office will share this joint operations
policy statement with DOE and U.S. Coast Guard to explore the options
available to achieve the 90 minutes clearance time goal for hazardous
materials.

iii. Tow truck use

**Policy:** It is the goal of both agencies that all incidents be
cleared from the roadway and shoulder within 90 minutes. In order to
achieve this objective, the right tow equipment (capable, certified,
qualified operator), at the right price (contract, rotational list,
etc.), will always be available at the time needed.

DOT/WSP will work together to address policy issues surrounding
incidents where major clean up is required. Issues that need to be
addressed are:

-   Is there a way to reimburse tow companies for the "extras" which are
    associated with removal of materials from the scene?

-   Does DOT have equipment available around the State to help the tow
    companies with the clean up?

-   Since insurance companies do not always cover all costs, how will
    tow companies be reimbursed for cleanup?

**Roles:** WSP will initiate any changes necessary to their existing tow
truck usage arrangements with the tow industry to ensure effective tow
assistance

**References:** Existing rotational contract(s); certification
requirements; tow categories/capabilities vs. estimated vehicle weights
chart, and WAC's.

**Action:** WSDOT's Regional Administrators and WSP's District
Commanders will develop tailored incident response and tow truck usage
for each region of the state. In all but rare exceptions, the WSP tow
truck rotation list will be used. The WSDOT Traffic Office will evaluate
the need to expand tow-away zones around the state. In conjunction with
tow operators, WSP will re-evaluate the opportunity of including pay
incentive clauses to current tow contracts.

i.  Accident clearance and civil liability (Damaged Load Clearance)

**Policy:** Traffic congestion caused by incidents has an enormous
economic cost to society. This cost is often much greater than the value
of trying to salvage a damaged load of cargo involved in a crash. It is
the policy to remove the collision debris (and cargo) for the purpose of
opening traffic lanes as a higher priority over attempting to salvage
portions of the cargo. Salvage operations will be scheduled during
non-peak hours of travel.

**Roles:** WSDOT Maintenance and Traffic Offices will develop and train
its forces on a Damaged Load Clearance Policy in coordination with WSP,
WSDOT Risk Management and the Attorney General. WSDOT Maintenance and
Incident Response will coordinate with WSP during individual incidents
to implement this policy. WSDOT will work with communications and
regions to provide information about this policy to the trucking
associations.

**Action:** WSP and WSDOT will develop a "Damaged Load Clearance
Policy." Also, both agencies will support passage of legislation to
implement rapid movement of damaged but drivable vehicles (e.g., SB
5961, "Steer It -- Clear It").

ii. Using technology to expedite investigations

**Policy:** Every effort will be made, in a coordinated fashion, to
achieve all responders\' objectives at incident scenes and to have
roadways open and/or ferries operating in less than 90 minutes.
Technology which reduces the scene investigation time will be part of
achieving this goal. Therefore, WSP and WSDOT will aggressively pursuer
new technologies to expedite investigations.

**Roles:** WSP, with assistance from WSDOT (traffic control, equipment,
survey technologies, etc.) will take the lead in evaluating candidate
technologies.. The WSDOT Design Office Computer Aided Engineering Branch
provides training and some support to the State Patrol for total
stations and other survey technologies that they use to collect data at
accident and crime scenes.

**Action:** WSP will take the lead in forming a joint task force to
identify procedures for reducing accident investigation time to achieve
the 90 minute goal of clearing incidents.

iii. Incident Command System

**Policy:** WSP and WSDOT agree to use the Incident Command System (ICS)
for all highway incidents and disaster management activities that
warrant its use.

In the event of an incident necessitating emergent response on a ferry
or at a terminal, WSF will use the ICS as the response organization. The
ICS will be set up in the WSF EOC at the Colman Dock in Seattle.

**Roles:** WSP will provide joint agency and industry ICS training to
facilitate communication and accomplishment of joint objectives.

a.  Event planning

**Policy:** Periodically events are held on state highways or on WSF
ferries by municipalities or other organizations or private entities. It
is the policy to allow such events on non-limited access facilities
provided that the transportation effects of the event are well
publicized and a traffic control strategy is developed by the event
organizer and approved in advance.

**Roles:** WSDOT HQ Traffic Operations Office, WSF Operations Center and
Region Traffic Engineers\' Offices approve events with coordination with
State and Local law enforcement, allowing for adequate public
communications lead-time. WSP is often asked by event organizers to
provide police services during events at the expense of the event
organizer.

**Reference:** Traffic Manual Chapter 7; MOU with WSP for special
events/filming.

b.  Disaster Response

**Policy:** The Washington State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
(CEMP) establishes the policy under which all state agencies will
respond to emergencies and disasters.

**Action:** The WSP and WSDOT agree to enhance existing procedures that
will provide additional protection measures for the traveling public and
the transportation system. Specifically, WSP and WSDOT will meet at
least annually to discuss opportunities for improvement in disaster
response and to establish cooperative partnerships with other emergency
response agencies to increase our effectiveness. Lead participants for
setting up the annual meeting will be Terry Simmonds (WSDOT) and Steve
Kalmback (WSP). Separate meetings will be held for WSF. WSF has worked
with WSP in the past to conducted exercises as part of disaster response
planning, with other organization participation such as the US Coast
Guard.

c.  Winter driving

**Policy:** WSP and WSDOT acknowledge that proper communications,
signage, and enforcement are key to providing safe motorist travel
during the winter season. Each agency will respond to requests for
service by the other with a joint commitment to enhancing motorist
safety and mobility.

**Action:** WSP and WSDOT agree to hold a "Winter Summit" meeting before
each winter season to discuss tactical response plans and to discuss any
changes from the previous winter. In addition, WSP and WSDOT agree to
hold a "Winter Debrief" meeting in the spring to discuss challenges and
opportunities from the past winter and develop action plans for the
upcoming winter. Lead participants for setting up the summits are Brian
Ziegler (WSDOT) and Lowell Porter (WSP).

4.  Work Zone Safety

**Policy:** Each day, highway workers are placed in hazardous
circumstances working near traffic. Their safety and the safety of the
traveling public is the top priority of WSDOT and WSP. It is the policy
to achieve the highest level of safety in work zones through working
together to maintain or improve work zone safety in those areas that
will benefit from combining the expertise and resources of both
agencies.

**Roles:** WSDOT will develop effective work zone strategies to ensure
the safety of workers and the traveling public. WSP will enforce
existing and new regulations in work zones based on methods to most
effectively encourage motorists to traverse work zones in a safe manner.

WSP and WSDOT will work together through the Work Zone Safety Task Force
to:

-   Enforce traffic regulations in work zones

-   Coordinate work zone strategies

-   Develop and provide work zone training

-   Develop and implement public information/education strategies

-   Develop and support work zone safety legislation

-   Develop and support new technologies to aid work zone safety

-   Communicate work zone safety issues and provide recommendations

-   Update procedures and standards

-   Combine resources such as funding, equipment and workforce

-   Address worker safety and security issues

**References:**

-   WSDOT Instructional Letter, IL 4008.00

-   WSDOT/WSP Agreement, GC 9131

-   WSDOT Executive Order, E 1001.00

-   WSDOT Policy Statement, P 2002.00

-   WSDOT Manual, M 54-44

-   Guidelines for WSP Traffic Control Assistance in Work Zones

-   Guidelines for Security in Work Zones

-   WSP Field Checklist, WSDOT Form 421-045 EF

-   Proposed Procedures for WSP Traffic Control Assistance in Work Zones

-   RCW's, section 46.61, several work zone-directly related (.015,
    .215, .527, etc.)

-   RCW's, section 47.48, several work zone-indirectly related
    (closures, speeds,etc.)

-   Directive, D 55-20, Reduced Speed in Maintenance and Construction
    Zones

**Action:** Currently, WSDOT and WSP are working together on a pilot
project that will help to define new more effective procedures. The
results of the pilot project will be reported in spring/summer of 2002,
recommendations will be made and existing agreements and guidance will
be updated.

Also, WSDOT may some day be delivering an expanded highway construction
program. This will require an increased commitment of WSP resources to
provide acceptable safety levels in more work zones. Therefore, WSDOT
and WSP will jointly approach the legislature for the necessary increase
in WSP resources.

5.  Commercial Vehicles

    a.  Weigh Stations

**Policy:** The WSP and WSDOT agree that there is a need for fixed and
portable weighing sites throughout the state. These sites include Plug
and Run sites as well as other locations without permanent in-ground
scales.

**Roles:** The role of the WSP is to identify where the portable
weighing sites should be located and the role of the WSDOT is to prepare
paved and level sites for conducting portable weighing events.

b.  Permitting and Weight Enforcement (include curfews)

**Policy:** The WSDOT and the WSP recognize the need to move over-legal
size loads as well as the need for a permitting process to regulate
over-legal moves in order to provide for the safety of the motoring
public, preserve the infrastructure and assist industry in completing
their move.

**Roles:** RCW 46.44.090 authorizes the Department of Transportation to
issue permits, authorizing the permits to operate or move a vehicle of a
size or weight exceeding the maximums specified by law. The Washington
State Patrol is one of several agents appointed by WSDOT to assist in
issuing oversize and overweight permits. The State Patrol is charged
with responsibility of enforcement of oversize and overweight permit
use.

RCW 46.44 charges the WSP with enforcement of size and weight laws. Five
permanent Port of Entry scales located on the interstate system are
operational 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Forty-seven other
permanent scales are located throughout the state and operated on an
as-needed basis. Portable scales are utilized in locations without
scales as well as scale by-pass routes.

**Action:** WSP will also continue to work with DOT in selling permits
at the Port of Entries. In collaborative manner we will work to
streamline process through the use of technology and provide the best
service possible to the trucking industry. The WSDOT and WSP also
recognize the need to meet regularly, typically monthly, to review the
relationship of administration and enforcement of the State's vehicle
size and weight laws and rules. The WSDOT and the WSP jointly share in
the preparation of the State's annual certification to FHWA, certifying
that both state and federal law have been properly applied and enforced
on the national highway system.

c.  Commercial Vehicle Safety Inspections

**Policy:** Commercial vehicle safety inspections are required by the
federal government. Also, a commercial vehicle examination (CVE) program
conducted at WSF vehicle terminals, which supports both the safety and
security of WSF is an integral and important part of the WSP vessel and
terminal security program.

**Roles:** The Washington State Patrol performs safety inspections on
commercial vehicles traveling in the state. Inspections are conducted by
WSP at three inspection buildings located at the Ridgefield, Bow Hill,
and Cle Elum weigh stations. Level 1, 2 and 3 inspections are also
performed in weigh station parking lots and safe, designated roadside
areas throughout the state. Vehicles with severe violations may be
placed out of service until repairs are made.

**Action:** WSDOT will continue to advocate for use of its highway
construction funding to build necessary commercial vehicle safety
inspection facilities.

d.  CVISN / WIM

**Policy:** It is the policy of the WSP, WSDOT, DOL and the Washington
Trucking Associations (WTA) that the CVISN and WIM program will provide
a framework for \"architecture\" that will enable government agencies,
the motor carrier industry, and other parties engaged in CVO safety
assurance and regulation to exchange information and conduct business
transactions electronically. The goal of the CVISN program is to improve
the safety and efficiency of commercial vehicle operations.

The Washington State Patrol, Washington State Department of
Transportation, the Department of Licensing and the Washington Trucking
Associations are jointly participating in a program to increase safety
and to protect the states' highway infrastructure and enhance the
movement of freight by mobility of commercial motor vehicles. The
program is entitled "CVISN" (Commercial Vehicle Information Systems and
Networks). Additionally, the agencies have installed weigh-in-motion
(WIM) at each of these scale facilities in order to weigh trucks while
they are traveling on the mainline freeway system. Together these
programs are also designed to check credential and safety information on
a commercial vehicle at freeway speeds. If the truck is safe and legal,
it is permitted to stay on the mainline and bypass weigh stations. The
Washington State Patrol is responsible for installation and maintenance
of the weigh-in-motion scales at sixteen high traffic volume weigh
station sites.

**Roles:** The role of WSP will be to manage the weigh in motion systems
and act as the end line user of the roadside screening systems. The role
of DOL is to manage the electronic credentialing component of CVISN and
the role of WSDOT is to manage the overall program and act as the system
architect, selling of transponders, and database management. The role of
the WTA, the private sector partner, is to market the overall CVISN/WIM
program to the motor carrier industry.

**References:** Weigh Station Memorandum of understanding (between WSP
and WSDOT) and DIS Information Technology Feasibility Study.

**Action:** The actions items for the 01-03 biennium are to deploy
CVISN/WIM at three or four sites, Everett southbound, SeaTac north and
southbound, and, if time and funds permit, Kelso southbound.

6.  Joint Facilities

**Policy:** WSDOT and WSP will work collaboratively to assure that joint
support facilities needs are identified and met economically, service to
the public is enhanced, environmental impact is minimized, and
investment in support facilities (buildings and related sites) is
maximized. WSDOT and WSP will provide integrated workplaces that meet
joint agency strategic goals.

**Action:** To support the vision stated above, the two agencies agree
to:

-   Coordinate Agency Capital Plans to facilitate new joint facilities
    development.

-   Modify existing facilities to accommodate both agencies' missions.

-   Exchange facilities where shifting operational requirements allow.

-   Share vehicle fueling facilities.

-   Outreach to other development partners that can help leverage lower
    cost / higher efficiency facilities, and

-   Simplify inter-agency facilities agreements.

-   Meet monthly to identify joint facility opportunities and develop
    facility security plans.

7.  Wireless Communication

**Policy:** The WSP and the WSDOT agree to support a shared vision to
create a coordinated and integrated wireless transportation
communications for the safe, effective, and efficient protection of the
traveling public. The agencies mutually agree it is their joint goal to
implement a statewide wireless mobile communications network that is
fully interoperable between agencies and workgroups to provide needed
services to our field forces and support groups to benefit the citizens
of this State.

The WSP and WSDOT provide public safety communications to many public
safety organizations. These organizations include local, state, and
federal public safety agencies whose missions encompass the protection
of life and property. This joint vision is consistent with the
development of a Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee (SIEC).
In particular, the SIEC will be working for the sharing of resources to
create the basis of an intergovernmental wireless public safety network.
Resource may include, but not be limited to spectrum, facilities,
equipment, staff, and systems.

The WSP and the WSDOT agree to view their respective wireless
communication systems as a single wireless system to plan for and foster
interoperability among existing wireless networks and future wireless
development that meets the requirements of local, state, and federal
public safety.

**Roles:** To support the vision as stated above, the two agencies agree
to:

-   Improve public safety wireless communications by addressing each of
    the five issue areas of interoperability -- coordination and
    partnerships, funding, spectrum, standards and technology, and
    security.

-   Listen to, learn from, and collaborate with local and state public
    safety officials to improve communications interoperability.

-   Encourage the implementation of interoperability by developing
    short-term action plans that support the long-term strategy of
    developing and sharing a statewide transportation wireless
    communication system.

8.  Washington State Ferries

**Policy:** The safety and security of passengers and crews onboard
ferries and at the terminals leading to the ferries is a primary concern
of both the WSDOT and WSP. The WSP is the law enforcement agency with
primary responsibility for terminal traffic management on the designated
state highways, vessel and terminal security, and emergent incident
response for all criminal events such as assault, DUI, bomb threats or
other acts of terrorism. In carrying out these roles, any of the
possible activities listed in the table below may be used singularly or
collectively in an effort to fulfill these responsibilities.

**Roles:** The WSP will work cooperatively with the Washington State
Ferries to ascertain the most appropriate and cost effective use of
resources. The WSP has committed to perform the following functions at
WSF terminals and onboard vessels:

  ---------------------------- ----------------------------- ---------------------------------
  **[Activity]{.underline}**   **[Resources]{.underline}**   **[Particulars]{.underline}**

  Terminal traffic control and Dedicated Vessel and Terminal Direct/control vehicle/passenger
  on scene presence            Security (VATS) troopers.     traffic at various terminals
                                                             typically focused on high
                                                             passenger/vehicle density
                                                             locations.

  Random vessel                Two trooper teams; at various Onboard presence in general
  boardings/ferry rides        times throughout WSF's daily  passenger spaces or located in
                               operating period              pilothouse. Focus on high
                                                             passenger density routes and
                                                             times.

  Random vehicle inspections   Existing and/or supplemental  Consensual vehicle inspections
  at terminals                 Vessel and Terminal Security  conducted on random intervals.
                               (VATS) troopers               Again, focus on high passenger
                                                             density routes and times.

  Commercial vehicle           Dedicated CVE troopers        Random vehicle searches focused
  enforcement (CVE) exams      possessing vehicle inspection on commercial trucks at high
                               training/skills               volume terminals and times.

  Bomb dog team sweeps         Bomb dog teams from East and  Random team sweeps at various WSF
                               West Puget Sound Districts    terminals focused on high
                                                             passenger and vehicle traffic

  Other visible uniformed      Supplemental WSP troopers     At various locations (terminal
  presence                                                   and vessel) dictated by WSP
                                                             operational tempo

  Emergency response           Any combination of resources  Response level and dedication of
                               list above                    resources is situational,
                                                             depending upon the circumstances
                                                             presented.
  ---------------------------- ----------------------------- ---------------------------------

9.  Transportation System Security

**Policy:** WSP and WSDOT are committed to transportation system
security and agency preparedness.

**Roles:** WSP is responsible for transportation system security.

**Action:** The WSP and the WSDOT jointly agree to develop a plan to
enhance the security of the transportation system for the benefit of the
traveling public and protection of the infrastructure. This plan will
identify high cost/high consequence locations on the transportation
system which warrant extra protection measures. This plan will include,
but not limited to, (1) periodic routine patrols by WSP, (2) thorough
WSP enforcement of signed no parking-tow zones, (3) increased monitoring
of traffic cameras by WSDOT, and (4) scheduled random drive-by
inspections of key transportation facilities by WSDOT maintenance
employees. The plan will address threat levels and a joint escalating
response commensurate with the threat level. Lead participants are Terry
Simmonds (WSDOT) and Dave Karnitz (WSP).

WSF, U.S. Coast Guard, and WSP will be charter members of the WSF
Security Committee aimed at assuring the secure operations of WSF during
normal and heightened states of terrorist/criminal threats.

10. Safety Rest Areas

**Policy:** It is our intent that the WSDOT and the WSP will work
together to ensure that operations of the Safety Rest Areas are
conducted to maximize the public health, safety, and enjoyment of these
very popular sites.

**Roles:** WSDOT has responsibility for operations and maintenance of
Safety Rest Areas and WSP has responsibility for enforcement of laws and
regulations.

**Actions:** Safety Rest Area maintenance and operations will be an
agenda topic at each annual joint meeting to determine if any
operational or enforcement emphasis areas are necessary to benefit the
users of the Safety Rest Areas.

11. Policy Performance Measures

WSDOT and WSP will coordinate the development of performance
measurements that involve activities reported on by both agencies before
submittal to OFM and the Legislature. Both agencies will work
collaboratively to develop joint measures for incident response and
clearance times.

12. Policy training

Each agency commits to provide resources and expertise to share this
policy internally and with key constituencies.

13. Policy Update Process

This policy will be reviewed annually at the WSP/WSDOT joint meeting. In
advance of that meeting, each agency will survey internally to identify
accomplishments that will be reported at the annual meeting.

14. Appendices

    a.  Key Personnel Contacts

    b.  Tables of Organization

# APPENDIX A -- Key Personnel Contacts

# WSDOT (Washington State Department of Transportation)

## Headquarters

John Conrad, Assistant Secretary, Engineering & Regional Operations,
Olympia (360-705-7032)

Brian Ziegler, Director of Maintenance and Operations, Olympia
(360-705-7801)

Ken Kirkland, State Maintenance Engineer, Olympia (360-705-7851)

Fred DeBolt, Equipment and Facilities Administrator (360-705-7880)

Toby Rickman, State Traffic Engineer, Olympia (360-705-7280)

Jim Shanafelt, Assistant State Traffic Engineer, Olympia (360-705-7282)

## Northwest Region

Lorena Eng, Regional Administrator, Seattle (206-440-4762)

Tom Lentz, Maintenance Engineer, Seattle (206-440-4656)

Dave McCormick, Traffic Engineer, Seattle (206-440-4487)

## North Central Region

Don Senn, Regional Administrator, Wenatchee (509-667-3001)

Bob Stowe, Maintenance Engineer, Wenatchee (509-667-3065)

Jennene Ring, Traffic Engineer, Wenatchee (509-667-3080)

## Olympic Region

Randy Hain, Regional Administrator, Tumwater (360-357-2658)

Jerry Walter, Maintenance Engineer, Tumwater (360-357-2619)

John Nisbet, Traffic Engineer, Tumwater (360-357-2670)

## Southwest Region

Don Wagner, Regional Administrator, Vancouver (360-905-2001)

Rick Sjolander, Maintenance Engineer, Vancouver (360-905-2020)

Chris Christopher, Traffic Engineer, Vancouver (360-905-2240)

## South Central Region

Don Whitehouse, Regional Administrator, Yakima (509-577-1620)

Casey McGill, Maintenance Engineer, Yakima (509-577-1901)

Rick Gifford, Traffic Engineer, Union Gap (509-577-1985)

## Eastern Region

J.C. Lenzi, Regional Administrator, Spokane (509-324-6010)

Larry Chatterton, Maintenance Engineer, Spokane (509-324-6538)

Ted Trepanier, Traffic Engineer, Spokane (509-324-6550

# WSP (Washington State Patrol)

## 

## Headquarters

Deputy Chief Lowell Porter, Field Operations Bureau (360-586-2340)

Deputy Chief Steve Jewell, Investigative Services Bureau (360-753-1770)

Deputy Chief Maurice King, Technical Services Bureau (360-753-4632)

Director Diane Perry, Management Services Bureau (360-753-5141)

Captain Fred Fakkema, Commercial Vehicle Division (360-753-0302)

Mr. Marty Knorr, Communications Division (360-438-5862)

Mr. Tom Neff, Property Management Division (360-570-9820)

## District 1

Captain Dan Eikum, Tacoma (253-536-4301)

## District 2

Captain Les Young, Bellevue (425-649-4650)

## District 3

Captain Dave Karnitz, Yakima (509-249-6701)

## District 4

Captain Mike Dubee, Spokane (509-456-3061)

## District 5

Captain Carrie Greene, Vancouver (360-449-7901)

## District 6

Captain Bill Larson, Wenatchee (509-665-4006)

## District 7

Captain Bob Lenz, Marysville (360-651-6336)

## District 8

Captain Gail Otto, Bremerton (360-405-6601)

# APPENDIX B -- Tables of Organization