The Patrol Services Division conducts many core function of the police department including traffic enforcement, collision investigations, parking enforcement, animal control, and special events coordination. The Renton Police Department is the regional leader in each of these areas.
Traffic enforcement efforts include the utilization of camera enforcement at the most dangerous intersections and school zones in the city. This tool has greatly reduced accidents in these areas. The unit also conducts emphasis patrols targeting impaired driving, distracted driving, and street racing. In addition, the city has the most robust motorcycle police officer training program in the area. If you see a motorcycle police officer in the area, there is a good chance that we trained them!
In collision investigations, the Renton Police Department has led the way by utilizing small unmanned aircraft systems (drones) for the documentation and reconstruction of major crash scenes. This has led to greatly improved modeling and animation of these scenes. The unit is also able to open affected roads much faster because of this technology. This same technology is also used at major crime scenes.
The city's parking enforcement vehicle uses a computer system aided by Automatic License Plate Reader cameras to identify overtime parking violations. This system has greatly improve the efficiency of the city's parking enforcement program. It is also capable of quickly identifying reported stolen vehicles.
While most other jurisdictions in our area contract out their animal control services to King County, the Renton Police Department employs two full time Animal Control officers, providing unmatched animal control services to its residents. An animal control officer is available seven days a week. In addition to their regular duties, they conduct both misdemeanor and felony investigations related to animals.
The Patrol Services Division is responsible for special events planning in the city, including events such as the Seahawks 12K Run, Renton River Days/Parade, and the 4th of July at Gene Coulon Park.