Page 38 - 2018 WCSO ANNUAL REPORT HTML5 ONLY
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of the system. After presenting data,
it was agreed a change could result
in an increase in hit ratio. A proposed
threshold level change was presented
to the vendor, who then agreed to the
recommendations.
Once the threshold was changed to
the suggested level, the test prints
were searched again under the same
conditions as the initial research study
in order to compare resultant hit
ratios produced by the system at both
threshold levels. An increased hit ratio
of 30% was obtained.
An increased hit ratio allows FSU
to identify more prints, essentially
providing more information to
investigators and creates the potential BAIT PACKAGE PROGRAM - DEPUTIES
to close more cases.
FACES OF WCSO - MEET NIKKI WAGAR HELP DELIVER STOLEN PACKAGES
RESEARCH STUDY INCREASES ACCURACY Nikki Wagar joined the WCSO as a
Testing fingerprints from crime scenes is a common Forensic Analyst in 2008. Her specialties for the past The 2018 holiday season wrapped up with the fourth this innovative program, package thefts could increase
twelve years are in latent print examination and crime
practice for forensics. Each time a print is analyzed and scene processing. She holds certification as both a successful year of the WCSO Bait Package Program. This up to 20% over the holidays.
tested, it is compared to fingerprints in the criminal Certified Latent Print Examiner and a Certified Crime unique initiative, designed to deter thefts of mail and
justice system. In 2018, Forensic Analyst Nikki Wagar Scene Analyst through the International Association for packages, yielded several arrests as well as the recovery PCU attributes the success of this program largely to
began a research study with the intent of establishing Identification (IAI). of stolen mail. patrol deputies who support the mission in the field by
a best practices guideline for the local biometric their quick response to bait package activations. PCU
database in order to maximize search efficiency and When Nikki first graduated high school, she had the On Sunday, December 9, 2018 deputies responded to has expanded to a year-round hybrid deployment model
tailor the FSU approach based on the lab’s needs and lofty dream of becoming an artist, with sculpture and an alarm activation from a bait package at a residence for similar programs, including bait cars, motorcycles,
system configurations. near Tualatin Valley Highway and 170th Avenue in Aloha. power tools and bicycles. Deputies and detectives alike
photography as her focus. However, an introductory They were able to track the stolen package using GPS continually evaluate geographic locations for patterns
anthropology course soon introduced Nikki to the technology, leading them to a 29-year-old suspect from and problem areas.
To begin her research, Wagar chose 150 latent prints for world of forensics, where she fell in love with the
searching, each with variable levels of quality. She then sculptural nature of the skeletal system and she never Portland, who was also an Amazon delivery driver. He
launched tests utilizing specific searching techniques, looked back. admitted to stealing the bait package while delivering SUPPORT FOR TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS
another shipment to the same address.
resulting in 1,200 total searches. Data was then IN LAW ENFORCEMENT
collected and analyzed to create an efficiency flowchart Locally, Nikki is the 2nd Vice President of the Pacific Deputies located a total of 18 Amazon packages inside Programs like the bait package program would not be
guideline for streamlined searching. possible without the support of the Washington County
Northwest Division of the IAI and a member of the the suspect’s vehicle and personally delivered the
Northwest Regional Response Team, which is a team of remaining packages to avoid delays. Detectives from Sheriff’s Office Foundation. Their support of innovative
The intended research study quickly morphed into forensic professionals who are trained in mass fatality the WCSO Property Crimes Unit (PCU) deployed numerous solutions and projects work to improve neighborhoods
a validation study of the database. The research incident response. She has a master’s degree in Forensic bait packages throughout Washington County to prevent and strengthen our community.
indicated a potential improvement that could be made Science and has worked extensively on grant proposals, potential thieves and catch those who steal during the
to the configuration of the system, specifically to the policy and procedure development and accreditation season of giving. A special thank you to the Sheriff’s Office Foundation
threshold level originally set by the vendor. Data from efforts within her agency. for the purchase of the technology used in this program.
the research study was then presented to the vendor Detective Patrick Altiere, who has overseen the bait Learn more: www.wcsofoundation.org
to better understand the capabilities and limitations package program since its inception, believes without

