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

Washington's crime rate dropped by about 9% last year, with murders decreasing nearly 19% to a total of 312. This decline, however, still leaves murder rates more than 50% higher than in 2019. Drug arrests surged from 5,022 to 10,907, driven by a spike in methamphetamine offenses linked to recent legislative changes that stiffened penalties for drug possession. State officials, including Sen. Manka Dhingra, credit behavioral health and housing investments for the overall crime reduction but caution that federal cuts could hinder ongoing progress.

Domestic violence incidents increased by 10%, accounting for half of all crimes against people, with no clear explanation for this trend. Washington remains at the bottom nationally for police staffing, with only 1. 38 officers per 1,000 residents, despite a slight increase in total officers. New regional police training academies aim to address staffing challenges. The report, covering data from various law enforcement agencies, underscores the ongoing need for community support to combat violence effectively.