The Support Services Division is commanded by the Deputy Chief, whose primary responsibility is to provide general management direction and control for the Support Services Unit. The Support Services Division consists of the Investigations Unit, School Resource Officers, Animal Control, Evidence, Marine Unit, K9 Unit, and Traffic Unit, as well as numerous functional areas. Deputy Chief is the Public Information Officer (PIO) and manages the Office of Professional Standards.

DEPUTY CHIEF

Deputy Chief Dean Thomas grew up in Everett, Washington, and is a graduate of Western Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management/Sociology. 

In January 2005, Dean was hired by Everett Police Department as a patrol officer. In March 2006, he lateraled to Lake Stevens Police and served as a patrol officer. In December 2011, he was assigned to the Investigations Unit where he investigated Child Sex Crimes, was a member of the Snohomish Multi-Agency Response Team and was a member of the Interlocal Child Abduction Response Team. 

He was promoted to Sergeant in January 2017, overseeing a patrol squad, the agency Registered Sex Offender Coordinator, and Explorer Commander.  On April 1, 2022, Dean was promoted to Operations Commander. In 2025, Commander Thomas graduated from the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command.

Investigations Unit

The investigations Unit is tasked with investigating felony-level crimes and presenting them to the prosecutor’s office for charging.  These major crimes include homicide, robbery, sexual assaults, crimes against children, aggravated assaults, arson, thefts, burglary, and fraud.  

The Investigations Unit partners with other surrounding local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state and federal organizations. We have members who are part of the Snohomish County Multi-Agency Response Team (SMART), Snohomish Interagency Child Abduction Response Team (ICART), International Crimes Against Children (ICAC), the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), and the US Secret Service Cyber Fraud Task Force (CFTF).

Community Services Officer

The Lake Stevens Police Department Community Service Officers (CSO) provides a supporting role to the Operations Division of the police department and patrol the City Parks. The CSO provides a wide variety of support services to patrol officers, citizens, and visitors of Lake Stevens.  The CSO also handles crime prevention by providing assistance to community neighborhoods and businesses. These services include:

• Animal Control
• Parking
• Crime Prevention
• Park Ranger
• Partnership with City Code Enforcement Officer

Animal Control

Animal Control isn’t just about dog bites and stray cats. While it’s certainly something we take care of, animal control focuses on the proper care of animals in Lake Stevens and how it ensures public safety. Here’s an overview of animal control services in Lake Stevens:

Pet Licenses
Pet licensing is your first defense against lost pets. This is a tool, not a regulation so that animal control can return this little family member back to you. So, that there are more reunifications than not, all dogs and cats are required to have a pet license in Lake Stevens and need to wear them. They are inexpensive and easy to obtain from City Hall. Check out the Pet Licensing page or contact City Hall at (425) 622-9400.

Lost & Found/Strays
When lost pets are found, we reach out to you so that you can quickly reunite. In the meantime, a log is kept at the Lake Stevens Police Department where animals may be temporarily held. Depending on things like weather, staffing, and load, pets may be moved to the Everett Animal Shelter. Please keep in mind, the call log is not all-inclusive, so do contact all local shelters to see if your furry friend has made his way there.

• Everett Animal Shelter - 425-257-6000
• Lake Stevens Police Department at 425-622-9401

Return of Pets
An attempt is made to return all licensed pets to their owners as soon as possible and a lost and found pet log is kept at the police department. The log is not all-inclusive, and pet owners are encouraged to check with local shelters. It remains the responsibility of the pet owner to locate their missing pet. You can call the non-emergency line at (425) 407-3999 to speak with an officer.

Dangerous & Wild Animals
Bears, alligators, crocodiles, rear-fanged snakes – what do all these animals have in common? They’re wild animals, inherently dangerous, and prohibited in Lake Stevens. It is a misdemeanor to own any such animal so please, don’t.

Other such wild animals included in this list (but not limited to):

• Members of the cat and dog family not customarily domesticated by man (including hybrids)
• Venomous and devenomized reptiles
• Snakes reaching over 10 feet 

Dog Bites
All dog bites must be reported. All reported dog bites are investigated, and the appropriate and applicable procedures are implemented such as quarantine requirements and dangerous dog / potentially dangerous dog requirements.

Animal Cruelty
Animal cruelty is a crime. Don’t do it, don’t let others. All reports will be fully investigated and, as appropriate, prosecuted.

School Resource Officers (SRO)

The primary goal of our school resource officer program is to hold juveniles responsible for their actions and prevent the youth in our community from becoming involved in the criminal justice system. This program works in collaboration with school staff, parents, social service organizations, and of course the students to provide a safe school environment. These activities may include:

• Prevention of crime and delinquent behavior in the school environment
• Friendly contact between the police department and the youth in our community
• Assistance and accurate information during times of stress and crisis
• Educating the youth about the role of laws and court and police in society
• Investigation of criminal cases involving youth and the use of effective alternatives to the criminal justice system

Traffic Unit

The Traffic Unit is responsible for traffic enforcement, collision investigation, parking, and all other traffic-related incidents. The Traffic Unit also provides specialized services including technical accident investigation, selective enforcement, traffic control, DUI enforcement, and traffic safety education. Traffic Unit participates with regional partners to help reduce serious injury and fatal collisions. Once the problems are identified, the Traffic Unit develops an action plan to reduce or eliminate the problem.  Recent speed surveys are available to view at the link below.

• How do I file a traffic or parking complaint?
• Speed Survey

Marine Unit

A major tourist attraction in the city of Lake Stevens is, you guessed it, the lake. The Lake Stevens Police Department has a Marine Unit that does the following:

• Educates the public on safe boating practices
• Conducts safety inspections for all types of vessels
• Enforces laws on the waterways
• Responds to calls for service on the lake
• Investigates boating-related accidents

For more information, you can research the following websites:

• Lake Stevens City Code
• Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission
• Adventures in Boating Washington 
• Washington State Boating Laws (RCW) 
• Washington State Boating Laws (WAC)