Lowering Crime in Washington State

Washington State has a crime problem, policies have been soft on crime, have led to increased crime rates and insecurity among Washingtonians. Several current approaches have had poor results and instead of doubling down on these failed approaches, I would like to talk about common sense solutions to empower law enforcement and reduce crime effectively.

Policies in Washington State have often prioritized leniency over accountability, resulting in:

• Defunding of the police has left our departments understaffed with reduced resources which is impairing our law enforcement’s ability to respond to and prevent crime effectively.

• Policies aimed at reducing incarceration have resulted in repeat offenders being released without supervision or support.  It’s no surprise that many of them are again apprehended committing yet more crimes.

• Our Police face an almost hostile work environment where politicians work against them through defunding and withholding support from our political leaders when they most need it and then criticizing them when crime increases.  This had contributed to a reduction of morale and impacted their ability to perform their duties.  This lack of support has led to many officers accepting offers from enforcement offices in other states where there’s support.  Other officers who could have continued to work opted for early retirement.  The combination has left significant experience gaps in our law enforcement departments.

Recent crime stats highlight the consequences of these policies:

• Violent Crime: From the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, violent crimes that include homicides and assaults have seen a notable increase of the past several years.

• Property Crime: Property crimes such as burglary and theft have risen.  Residents don’t feel safe and our underfunded departments literally don’t have the ability to even respond.

• Auto Theft: Washington has the 4th highest auto theft in the country.

• Repeat Offenders: Should anyone be surprised when data shows the lenient bail and sentencing policies have led to a high rate of repeat offenders.  

We need to implement solutions that support law enforcement and hold criminals accountable. 

• Increase Funding: Increased funding for police departments to ensure they are adequately staffed and equipped. Investments in modern technology, training programs, and community policing initiatives should be given priority.

• Morale and Support: Our Police need to know that elected officials and and the public stand behind them in support 100%.  Implementing measures to boost police morale such as providing mental health resources, recognizing exemplary service, and ensuring political leaders publicly support law enforcement efforts.  For lack of better words, there needs to be some team building between elected officials and our law enforcement to regain trust that was lost when law enforcement was defunded with many politicians turning their backs on them when they needed support.

• Tougher Sentencing: Stricter sentencing guidelines for violent and repeat offenders. Actions have consequences.  The community needs to be protected from violent criminals.

• Reform Bail Policies: There needs to be a hard look at risk assessment guidelines.  Additional consideration needs to be given to repeat offenders to prioritize public safety first.  We should be looking at reform with an eye to adequate monitoring if individuals are offered bail.

• Community Policing Initiatives: We need more community policing programs. Building trust and cooperation between law enforcement and local communities is essential. Local law enforcement needs to engage with residents to understand their concerns and work together to address them.

• Neighborhood Watch Programs: Support neighborhood watch programs that encourage community members to actively participate in crime prevention efforts.  I do this with my neighbors, we watch each other’s properties, we text each other if we see something suspicious.  What I’ve noticed is that over time the incidents in our neighborhood decreased.  This is an easy and essential step towards having a home and neighborhood you feel safe in.

• Youth Programs: Support programs aimed at keeping youth engaged in positive activities.  After-school programs, sports, and even job training to prepare them for their first jobs.

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services: Expanded access to substance abuse treatment and mental health services.  This addresses one of the root causes of crime. These services should be integrated with the criminal justice system to provide seamless support to help people stay on the right path.

• Modern Technology: Technology is ever changing.  We should spend time researching what is available and evaluate its effectiveness if integrated into our law enforcement departments.  Technology such as body cameras, crime analytics, and surveillance systems all enhance law enforcement capabilities and accountability.

• Data-Driven Policing: Ways to more effectively use crime data to deploy resources more effectively should be reviewed.  We want to see a potential crime hotspot and allocate resources to address the increased activity as quickly as possible.

Addressing rising crime rates requires a shift from lenient, ineffective policies to strong, accountable, and supportive measures for law enforcement. By reinforcing police departments, strengthening sentencing and bail policies, enhancing community engagement, investing in crime prevention, and utilizing technology, we can make significant strides in reducing crime. It’s time for common sense solutions that prioritize public safety and restore law and order in our communities.

1. FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program.
2. Washington State Crime Statistics.
3. National Institute of Justice on Recidivism.
4. Reports from local law enforcement agencies in Washington State.