Since starting a new Problem Solving Emphasis Team the Maple Valley Police Department has seen a significant increase in arrests and work on a variety of law enforcement fronts.
The unit investigates drug and vice crimes, assists patrol officers and conducts investigations within the city focused on solving recurring problems.
Detectives in the unit have made 18 felony arrests, two felony warrant arrests, 19 misdemeanor arrest and three misdemeanor warrant arrests. As part of that work, they have also seized more than $2,000 in cash as well as three cars and recovered three guns.
During the course of drug investigations, detectives in the PSET unit have purchased or seized 71.6 grams of heroin, which has a street value of more than $3,500, 13.11 pounds of pot worth more than $67,000, 831 marijuana plots valued at $831,000, Vicodin, and served 10 search warrants.
Members of the unit are also developing pro-active outreach projects.
Following the shooting that took place on the Lake Wilderness Trail in December one of the unit’s first missions was increased patrols on the trail. Detectives also coordinated a community meeting and presented information about drugs and the trail project.
In response to a rash of burglaries members of the unit conducted surveillance of the Wilderness Village parking lot and during the course of that project caught two suspects in the act of burglarizing businesses.
In addition, detectives worked with the Tahoma School District and provided a presentation about marijuana use among high school age teens. Finally, PSET augmented security at the Fishing Derby and Maple Valley Days.
The last several months have been personally and professionally rewarding for the MVPSET Detectives.
Maple Valley PSET goals for the next six months are to continue focusing on drug crimes in Maple Valley and to expand their reach into recurring property crimes.
Unfortunately, the drug world is populated by the petty thieves that cause many of the quality of life issues in the city.
Residents can prevent crime by locking doors and windows in both their cars and homes. Keep items such as cell phones, iPads, GPS devices and the like out of cars at night.
Members of PSET hope to continue partnering with the King County Sheriff’s Office Special Emphasis team and other investigative units, the Department of Corrections and federal law enforcement.
