Murders in Washington state have reached an unprecedented high in 2022, according to a new report.
The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) revealed that there were 394 reported murders statewide last year, marking a 16.6 percent increase from the previous year. This alarming figure represents the highest number of murders recorded since WASPC began collecting data in 1980.
To provide context, homicides have surged by a staggering 96 percent since 2019, the year preceding the "Defund the Police" movement backed by Democrats, which sparked a war on police.
The report also highlights a significant rise in violent crime, with an 8.9 percent increase in 2022. Robberies saw an 18 percent surge, while vehicle thefts skyrocketed by 34.1 percent. Disturbingly, domestic violence offenses accounted for 45.9 percent of all crimes against persons.
Washington State currently ranks 51st out of all 50 states and the District of Columbia in terms of the number of officers per thousand residents. This shortage of law enforcement personnel has had dire consequences, as assaults on police officers rose by 20.7 percent in 2022, representing a 42 percent increase since 2018.
The surge in crime can be attributed, in part, to sweeping police reform legislation passed by Washington state in 2021. This legislation, enacted in response to the "Defund the Police" movement, has significantly constrained the actions of law enforcement officers, allowing criminals to operate with impunity.
The impact of these policies is evident in the exodus of officers from the state and the profession. The Seattle Police Department has been hit particularly hard, with nearly 600 officers leaving since 2020, according to Mike Solan, President of the Seattle Police Officers Guild. Solan warns that the loss of 500 officers and counting is a recipe for disaster, contributing to the rampant crime sweeping the city.
The Crime in Washington 2022 report, compiled using data from 231 state, county, municipal, and Tribal agencies, aims to provide residents, elected officials, and law enforcement with data-driven insights into crime trends in their communities. However, the report serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for effective measures to address the rising crime rates and ensure the safety of Washington state residents.
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