The Walla Walla Police Department believes every victim of sexual assault deserves to be heard. We commit to serve victims of sexual assault in our community in the most unbiased, honest, and sensitive way possible. 

We strive to create an environment where victims feel safe coming forward and fully understand all their options and resources. We understand that the healing process may be different for each person and respect the choices of everyone. 

The Walla Walla Police Department serves everyone affected by sexual assault, regardless of race, religion, gender, national origin, marital status, age, mental or physical disability, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, source of income, previous experience with law enforcement/criminal history, or circumstances surrounding the sexual assault (such as drug use or underage drinking). 

***Please note: Disclosure to Walla Walla Police Department officers, personnel, or volunteers regarding the sexual assault of a minor, elderly person, or person with disabilities will result in a mandatory report, as required by law. Disclosures of sexual assault within a relationship where a criminal act of domestic violence has occurred may result in a mandatory domestic violence arrest of the abuser, as required by law. 

*** ***The word victim is used to designate certain legal rights to individuals who have had crimes committed against them in the state of Washington. We recognize that not all individuals identify with this word, prefer to use the word survivor, or choose not to be labeled by their experiences. *** 

1. Victims who are unsure if they are ready to speak to the police have the option to contact Chalese Rabidue, MSW, who is a civilian Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Advocate located at the Walla Walla Police Department.  She provides support and resources to survivors of sexual assault. Anyone may call the police department during business hours 9a-5p to contact Chalese for additional information, support, or to be connected for in-person services. If and when a victim is ready to make a report to law enforcement, Chalese can assist in that process too. The phone number to the Police Department is 509-527-4434 and you can ask to be put in contact with her when you call.  Additional resources are available through the YWCA for support. They can be reached at 509-525-2570.  There is a 24-hour crisis line that victims can also call to be linked to resources and help at 509-529-9922.


2. Victims who are ready to speak with the Walla Walla Police Department about sexual assault may report as much or as little information as they feel comfortable. Reports can be made in person, over the phone, or by requesting an officer come to a location. For emergency situations, please call 911. Otherwise, to speak with an officer, please call WESCOM Non-Emergency Dispatch at 509-527-1960. 


3. A victim or other reporting party may have law enforcement answer any questions about reporting and the criminal investigation process before providing any information to an officer. Officers will provide clear explanations of the Walla Walla Police Department’s procedures prior to and throughout the reporting and investigative process.


4. The Walla Walla Police Department believes in offering a safe space to support victims. Victim interviews are conducted in a trauma-informed approach, with an understanding of how difficult it can be to talk about sexual assault. Victims may pause or end interviews with an officer at any time.


5. A victim or other reporting party may report a sexual assault regardless of how much time has passed since the sexual assault occurred. For example, sexual assaults past the statute of limitations may still be documented to assist in other investigations as the law allows.


6. Officers will make reasonable efforts to work through any barriers that may be faced by victims to reporting or participating in an investigation. Officers will try to accommodate language access, location, preferred dates/times of reporting or interviews, and other issues that may be of concern to victims.


7. The Walla Walla Police Department has an open-door policy related to sexual assault. A victim may disengage from or return to an investigation at any point prior to referral to an office of prosecution. Any investigation that does not result in arrest or referral to an office of prosecution may be reopened at any time upon the request of the victim or if additional information or evidence is presented.


8. If you or someone you know has ever been victimized in another jurisdiction, we can assist you with the process for reporting to the appropriate agency.