School Resource Officers

(SROs) are police officers assigned to elementary, middle, and high schools in a cooperative agreement with the Yakima School District. They are responsible for working effectively with school administrators, security staff, faculty, and students to enforce comprehensive safety plans to ensure schools are safe places for students to learn. An SRO will patrol school district property to protect students, staff, and visitors from physical harm and deter criminal activity.

Traffic Unit

The primary goal of the traffic unit is to reduce injuries and death resulting from traffic collisions. The majority of officers assigned to this unit receive extensive training in collision reconstruction and investigation. Officers assigned to this until have a number of duties, including traffic enforcement, school zone enforcement, accident reduction, collision investigation, escorts, and special event traffic control.

The traffic unit primarily utilizes police motorcycles for their duties during good weather, and when weather prohibits the use of motorcycles, officers use traffic cars.

K9 Unit

Canine Officers receive specialized training to work with a canine partner to enforce laws and apprehend suspects. The dog is the police officer’s partner not only at work, but also at home. Each officer is responsible for their animal partner’s feeding, training, and health. K9 officers work within the Patrol Division to provide officers with an additional tool to apprehend subjects who present a danger to officers.

Crisis Negotiations Team

The CNT consists of members from the Yakima Police Department, Union Gap Police Department, Washington State Department of Corrections, and the Washington State Patrol with assistance from mental health professionals. The CNT trains on a regular basis where they hone their negotiating skills, ensure their equipment is working properly, and receive updated training regarding dealing with individuals who are emotionally-disturbed, suffering from substance use disorder, and mental health issues.

Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT)

The SWAT Team is comprised of officers from the Yakima Police Department, Union Gap Police Department, Grandview Police Department, Deputies from the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office, a firefighter from the Yakima Fire Department, and volunteers who have extensive medical training. The SWAT Team trains twice a month with an additional forty hour team week once a year. Team members maintain high physical fitness and firearms proficiency standards. The SWAT Team responds to high risk incidents throughout Yakima County and also responds to assist agencies in surrounding counties.