SEATTLE — Even as some companies report progress in recruiting, Washington stays on the backside nationally in the case of police staffing per capita, KOMO experiences.
New information from the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC), which compiles crime statistics for state and federal reporting, exhibits Washington ranks 51st out of the 50 states and the District of Columbia for officers per 1,000 residents.
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From 2024 to 2025, the state noticed a web acquire of 68 officers. But throughout that very same interval, Washington’s inhabitants grew by 79,400 individuals. The end result: a continued decline in officers per capita, dropping from 1.38 to 1.37 officers per 1,000 residents.
“Washington’s chronic lack of law enforcement staffing unfortunately continues in the wrong direction, and we’re not even treading water,” Steve Strachan, govt director of WASPC, informed KOMO. “Too few officers has negative effects on justice for victims, response and investigation of crimes, wellness for officers, and reduces opportunities for de-escalation.”
Preliminary figures present the state’s officers-per-1,000-population fee has steadily declined over the previous decade and a half. In 2011, Washington reported 1.51 officers per 1,000 residents. By 2025, that quantity had fallen to 1.37.
In uncooked numbers, the state listed 11,138 officers serving a inhabitants of 8,114,915 in 2025. The yr prior, 11,070 officers served 8,035,515 residents.
While the statewide numbers paint a regarding image, Strachan famous the staffing disaster will not be hitting each group equally.
“Although the numbers are going the wrong direction statewide right now, some communities are doing just fine,” he mentioned. “They are basically up to full staffing.”
Several companies — together with the Washington State Patrol, Seattle Police Department and Bellevue Police Department — have launched recruiting campaigns aimed toward rebuilding their ranks.
Seattle police reported a web enhance of practically 100 officers in 2025, marking a shift after a number of years during which departures outpaced hires.
Still, leaders say the broader staffing shortfall has tangible impacts.
“This is not just more people, more numbers — this is about public safety,” Strachan informed KOMO. “And yes, it’s about victims. Yes, it’s about the opportunity for officers to get out there when you call 911.”
The full 2025 Crime in Washington report is anticipated to be launched in the summertime of 2026.
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