News & Events
Yakima Police at the Central Washington State Fair
The 2018 Central Washington State Fair was held the last ten days in September and Yakima Police Department officers not only patrolled the fair to keep fairgoers safe, but it also hosted a booth! It was a great opportunity for officers to meet community members and for community members to meet officers and to learn more … Read More
Yakima Police Department’s Lip Sync Video Goes Viral
After several weeks of preparation, filming, and editing, the Yakima Police Departments Lip Sync Challenge was released on Monday, August 13th, 2018. The YPD’s response to a national challenge has been a huge success, with over 350,000 views in the first seventy-two hours after it was posted on all of the YPD’s social media platforms. … Read More
Yakima Police Department K-9 Unit Gets Huge Donation
On Wednesday, July 12th, 2018, a check for $23,500 was presented to the Yakima Police Department K-9 Unit at the Yakima Valley Pippins game at Yakima County Stadium. The check was presented by Team Yakima Strong, which raised the money during the 9K4K9 Fun Run and Walk, which was held in May. Last year the … Read More
Yakima Police Department Appoints New Recruiting Officer
For the first time ever, the Yakima Police Department has a full-time recruiting officer. She is Officer Hailie Meyers, a four-year veteran of YPD. The recruiting officer position was created due to the challenges of recruitment over the last several years and a large number of retirements within the department. It has become a priority … Read More
Graduation Held for 2018 Community Academy
On Wednesday May 16th, thirty-four people graduated from the 2018 Yakima Police Department Community Academy. The local residents completed a ten-week class which covered a wide range of law enforcement activities including gang enforcement, traffic enforcement, YPD K-9 program, firearms, forensics, criminal investigations, YPD SWAT team and operational structure of the YPD. Hopefully, the graduates … Read More
McDonald’s Host Coffee with a Cop
Several dozen local community members took time out of their day to attend the latest version of Coffee with a Cop. The CWC was held on Tuesday, April 3rd at the McDonald’s at 16th Avenue and West Lincoln Avenue. The event is held several times each year at different locations and during different times. The mission of … Read More
YPD Says Goodbye to Longtime Captain
On Friday, March 30th, The Yakima Police Department said goodbye to longtime Captain Jeff Schneider, who retired after serving the department for thirty-three years and four months. After he was hired by YPD in November of 1984, Schneider rose quickly through the ranks and made Captain after just thirteen years. He served as Captain for over twenty years, with … Read More
YPD Holds Annual Awards Ceremony
The Yakima Police Department held its annual Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, February 21st, at the Yakima Convention Center. Curt Oja, who is a detective in the Special Assault Unit was named Officer of the Year. Officer Frank Bowersox was also nominated for Officer of the Year. Sergeant Rich Fowler, Officers Ben Graves, Darius Williams, Joe Scherschligt, … Read More
Hundreds Attend Church Security Forum
Several hundred people attended a church security forum at Yakima Four Square Church on Saturday, January 27th. Yakima Police Officer Nate Henyan, retired YPD officer Dave Kellett, Yakima County Sheriff Brian Winter, YSO Sergeant Aaron Wuitschick were some of the featured speakers. The sad reality is that a house of worship, at one time, was considered one of … Read More
Four Little Heroes Receive Life Saving Award
On Friday, January 5th , four local children were given Life Savings Awards from the Yakima Police Department at Cottonwood Elementary School in West Valley. The children were honored for their heroic efforts to help a friend who had suffered a severe injury in a creek near the West Valley Park in September of 2017. … Read More