Violent crime drops in Washington as drug offenses skyrocket, latest statistics show

Washington's violent crime rate dropped nearly 19% last year, with 312 murders reported, still over 50% higher than in 2019. The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs highlighted that while property crimes decreased, drug arrests surged from 5,022 in 2023 to 10,907 in 2024 due to tougher penalties for drug offenses. State Senator Manka Dhingra noted that this uptick in drug-related arrests could be a response to legislative changes aimed at addressing drug possession issues. She expressed concern that potential federal cuts to social services could reverse the progress made on crime reduction. Domestic violence incidents also increased by 10%, comprising half of all crimes against individuals.

The report emphasized the ongoing challenge of police staffing, with Washington ranking last in the nation at 1. 38 officers per 1,000 residents. Despite these challenges, the report's findings suggest a complex landscape of crime trends in the state, with both improvements and worrying developments. The association's report compiled data from nearly 600 law enforcement agencies across Washington.