The latest Crime in Washington report for 2022 reveals a concerning rise in crime rates accompanied by a decrease in the number of law enforcement officers available to respond. Compiled by the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, the report analyzes crime and arrest data from contributing law enforcement agencies throughout the state.
According to the report, there were 394 murders in 2022, marking a 16.6 percent increase from the previous year. This represents the highest number of recorded murders since 1980 when data collection began, with homicides having surged by 96 percent since 2019.
Crimes against persons, property, and society as a whole also experienced an upward trend, with violent crimes showing an 8.9 percent increase. Meanwhile, the total number of commissioned officers statewide decreased from 10,736 in 2021 to 10,666 in 2022, despite a population increase of 93,262.
Washington ranks as the state with the 51st lowest number of officers per thousand residents out of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Additionally, reported cases of officers being assaulted rose by 20.7 percent, reaching a total of 2,375 incidents in 2022.
Although crime rates have decreased in certain parts of the United States, Washington has experienced an overall rise in criminal activity.
In a press release after reviewing the report, Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison expressed his disappointment in the data and assured Chelan County residents, that his office will remain steadfast in the pursuit of safety for all residents of the county.