Public Safety

It is essential to provide a high quality of life for individuals and families to enhance our vibrant community where our citizens can safely work, live, and play. In particular, Washington State has not held citizens accountable who violate the law or pose a threat to our community, which in turn increases the likelihood of our community being a victim of more crimes. 

According to a Forbes study, Washington State has one of the highest percentages of retail theft in the United States. That directly correlates with our laws and our lack of accountability standards. Based on our population, we have 48% more reported retail thefts than we should. The 24% rise in larceny thefts also increased from 2019-2022 and are second largest in the nation. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce showed that for every resident, an average of $78 was lost in tax revenue due to retail theft. That's a staggering number when you look at the bigger picture. Retail theft isn't victimless and it costs our tax payers and businesses significantly. 

There was a 51% increase in fentanyl overdoses in 2023, 1082 total. Addiction to fentanyl is much faster than heroin, which means time is of the essence. Each second we don't come up with solutions or invest in going upstream of the epidemic, the more we stand to lose. Mental health, health care, homelessness, and other factors are all correlating factors in someone's introduction to recreational drugs, including fentanyl. 

It's important to note that fentanyl and other recreational drugs have a connection to gangs and gang violence in our communities. Violent crimes are up 55% since 2015, according to Washington Association of Sheriff's and Police Chiefs (WASPC). A focus on public policy and holding these offenders accountable will make all the difference. Criminals know that Washington State doesn't believe they have a gang or drug problem which is why they call it home. Until we make them feel unwelcome, they will continue to victimize and kill our citizens. 

Washington State also has the lowest number of police officers per capita in the country. Almost 400 people were murdered in 2023 alone. That's a 16.6% increase compared to 2021. Another concern is the number of violent incidents towards law enforcement officers that have risen 20% - 2375. Men and Women put on the uniform each and every day and don't know if they are coming back home to their families. We must seek reforms and rebuild trust within our communities and law enforcement. Without trust or public safety, we can't have anything else.