Chief Kathy Atwood received the 2010 Department of the Year Award from the Western States Information Networks (WSIN) for Washington Region III today at the Everett City Council meeting. Mr. John Martin, WSIN regional law enforcement coordinator, was on hand to present the award.  The award is given to the law enforcement agency that demonstrates the best in interagency cooperation and assistance, and who was a major supporter of information sharing through the use of WSIN.

WSIN is part of the national group called the Regional Information Sharing System (RISS) that was developed as a one stop de-confliction resource for law enforcements use in criminal investigations.  It allows officers to confirm that their actions on a case will not adversely affect another agency case.

The Everett Police Department’s implementation of model policy and training under the guidance of retired Chief Jim Scharf was key to the success of the overall program.  Chief Scharf also presented the department’s policy to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) who adopted the policy as a model for other agencies to follow.

“It’s an honor to receive this award on behalf of our officer” Chief Atwood said. “Our officers should be proud to serve as leaders in law enforcement in the area of information sharing and the use of this valuable resource.”