First grants awarded under WA’s new $100M police hiring program
OLYMPIA [Jake Goldstein-Street]—The first two grants from Washington’s new $100 million effort to boost law enforcement hiring have been awarded to local police departments, after months of frustration over the program’s rollout. The Kent Police Department plans to use over $1.9 million in state funding to hire 20 new entry-level officers, according to the state Criminal Justice […]
Bill targets elected sheriffs for removal by appointed state board without a public vote
OLYMPIA—A divided Washington state Senate committee advanced a bill on February 9, 2026, that would empower a state oversight board to remove elected sheriffs from office if their peace officer certification was revoked, igniting a fierce debate over balancing accountability in law enforcement with the rights of local voters. Senate Bill 5974 cleared the Ways […]
Auto thefts decline in Washington State for the first time in five years
For the first time since 2020, Washington experienced a decline in auto thefts. Auto thefts were down 31% when compared to 2023, according to a report released by the Washington Auto Theft Prevention Authority (WATPA). Washington still ranks #7 nationwide in auto thefts per capita and #5 for total volume of auto thefts. The good news is […]
