Chief John R. Batiste

	Chief John R. Batiste

The Washington State Patrol is a statewide general authority Washington law enforcement agency employing over 2,300 (1,150 sworn and 1,150 professional support staff) personnel with a biennial budget of $369 million. Chief Batiste oversees the day-to-day management of the agency’s six bureaus: Field Operations Bureau, Fire Protection Bureau (State Fire Marshal), Forensic Laboratory Services Bureau (statewide Crime Lab), Investigative Services Bureau, Management Services Bureau, and Technical Services Bureau.

Chief Batiste began his career with the Washington State Patrol in March 1976. He has promoted through the ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and Deputy Chief with assignments in Field Operations, District 1 – Tacoma, Research and Development, and Human Resource Division. Chief Batiste retired from the Washington State Patrol in April 2002, with over 26 years of service. He has been the Assistant Chief of the Tacoma Police Department, and was recently the Deputy Chief of the Port of Seattle Police Department.

Chief Batiste obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Law Enforcement Administration from City University and is currently working on his Masters Degree in Organization and Human Resource Management.

Chief Batiste has been involved in a variety of activities and organizations, including his work with the Kenya National Police Force to create a National Police Chaplin Program and the South African National Police Force to assist with training and procedures on ethical policing.

Chief Batiste is an Executive Board Member of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs; Executive Board Member for the Western States Information Network; Washington Criminal Justice Training Commissioner; Washington Traffic Safety Commissioner; Chairman of the Governor’s Methamphetamine Coordinating Council; member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), Forensic Investigation Council, Governor’s Council on Substance Abuse, and Governor’s Emergency Management Council. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Northwestern University.