Port Angeles Border Patrol – Newspeople Remain Silent

yeomalt

7 years ago

June 23, 2019 Peninsula Daily News

Border Patrol contingent shrinks on Peninsula

“Border Patrol staffing totaled four agents in 2006. They worked in undersized quarters in downtown Port Angeles — in what’s now the Richard B. Anderson Federal Building.”

“The station had 42 personnel when ribbon-cutting ceremonies marked the headquarters’ opening Sept. 14, 2012.”

“Increased presence of Border Patrol agents between 2006-2010 sparked protests over such practices as the agency setting up checkpoints on U.S. Highway 101 to apprehend illegal immigrants and controversy over construction of the new headquarters to house more agents.”

“Lindsay said agents are focused on getting a handle on cross-border maritime traffic in partnership with the Coast Guard, Canadian authorities, state and local law enforcement agencies and tribal law enforcement officials to interdict smuggling and other illegal activities.”

Newspeople aren’t showing up to ask questions.

We’ll ask a few of our own here. Our questions appear in bold type.

Newspeople,

Why did the Blaine Sector Weekly US Border Patrol blotter go extinct?

When is the last time the Port Angeles Border Patrol made an arrest of any kind?

Any arrests connected to cross-border maritime traffic?

When local USBP staffing went from four to 42 agents, what increase in arrests and apprehensions was achieved?

Why are Border Patrol arrest statistics secret at Port Angeles?

Elsewhere, when there’s something to brag about- the public is promptly notified:

Border Patrol K-9 Sniffs out Cocaine Hidden in Dashboard

Are fraudulent overtime claims still the norm at Port Angeles?

Border Patrol whistleblower pays price for refusing overtime pay

Suspicionless checkpoints and bus boardings- away from border crossings and ports of entry:

Did the use of these checkpoints in Jefferson and Clallam Counties result in the seizure of any inbound heroin or meth?

Getting a handle on cross-border maritime traffic:

What role do 1,200-horsepower Border Patrol Interceptor boats play in keeping meth and heroin away from the Puget Sound area?

2011-

“… their main interaction with the boating public: Boarding boats and checking for ID, getting a “vibe,” as Jeff P. called it, for what’s up.”

2013-

Heroin epidemic gripping Port Angeles

2015-

Port Angeles residents fed up with heroin problem

2017-

“Residents who filled the Port Angeles City Council chambers and lobby Tuesday night said they were fed up with the heroin epidemic in Clallam County and asked what is being done to stop opioid abuse and what they can do to help.”

2019-

KING 5 News

“Jail staff are now using medication to help addicts detox from heroin while in custody.”

Peninsula Daily News

Clallam health official: Narcan helping to cut overdose deaths

“About half of the overdoses have been from prescription drugs, not heroin, she said.” What about the other half?

Has Port Angeles CBP been able to intercept any inbound meth or heroin?

Even one time?

Newspeople remain silent.

Possibly of interest-

Newspeople play the role of federal public affairs personnel during Operation Macho Swagger– a ride-along to let us know what is being done to keep the southern edge of the Strait of Juan de Fuca safe from B.C. incursions: Operation Macho Swagger & Port Angeles Heroin

The Border Patrol has worked against itself on the Olympic Peninsula.

Secret arrest statistics and denied FOIA requests do not enhance agency credibility. Local law enforcement organizations avoid all this by establishing working relationships with the press.

It’s time for journalists to make appointments, schedule interviews and ask some questions. Suggested topics here: News tip/story idea

If no answers are available, please do a story describing the working relationship you have with the Washington State Patrol, local sheriffs departments and city police departments. Any denied FOIA requests generated by these agencies? Please compare to the Border Patrol at Port Angeles.

If you run a government operation- these are the reporters you want to see on interview day: