Ben Ward

I am a part time Task Force Officer (TFO) with the FBI Safestreets Task Force - Salem. I investigate cases that can be prosecuted in federal court. I have worked with federal prosecutors and have secured court orders and search warrants at the federal level to include vehicle trackers and Pen Register Trap and Trace (PRTT) orders. I have participated in numerous federal operations with FBI, DEA and ATF to include controlled buys, surveillance and follows and search warrants.

I have worked as a detective since January 2023. My primary function has been to investigate cases involving quality of life and community problems (narcotics, gangs, theft operations). I have significant experience with investigative strategies used in investigating narcotics and violent crime related cases (surveillance, covert camera operation, informant management, search warrant preparation and execution). As a detective I have cultivated many positive relationship with local and federal partners and have investigated cases at both the state and federal level.

In my six years with the Woodburn Police Department I have also worked as a Patrol Officer, Patrol Corporal and Field Training Officer. I instruct in our Use of Force program and SFST program and am a member of our Wellness Committee.

I have extensive experience writing detailed reports and court orders and testifying in court proceedings.

I held mulitple positions at the Oregon Police Academy (DPSST). I primarily worked in survival skills where I taught classes to police and correction recruits in the areas of defensive tactics, confrontational simulation, physical fitness, firearms, vehicle stops, SFST lecture and scenario training and a wide variety of classroom courses. I was the coordinator of the defensive tactics program for approximately 5 years. I was in charge of curriculum development, instructor on boarding and training, instructor hiring and teaching classes to both recruits and experienced officers in instructor development courses.

My last year at DPSST I was a class coordinator. I managed and led classes of 40 recruit officers through their 16 week academy experience.

While at DPSST I participated in numerous trainings as an attendee. I successfully completed both the IPSLEI and SLA leadership academies.

I worked as a patrol officer. During this time I gained valuable experience investigating a wide range of criminal cases. I developed an interest in narcotics related cases and was a proactive officer within my agency. I gained valuable experience in report writing, search warrant preparation, court testimony and advanced investigative techniques.

I left the Astoria Police Department from August 2005 through May 2007 and attended graduate school and earned a Master of Science degree, before returning to the Astoria Police Department.