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 […]
Ferguson, Reichert share public safety policies with Sheriff organization

SEATTLE—Washington Association of Sheriff’s and Police Chiefs (WASPC) Executive Director Steve Strachan sat down with gubernatorial candidates Bob Ferguson and Dave Reichert on October 16 where they addressed questions on public safety, juvenile crime, juvenile access to legal counsel, DCYF intake freeze, legislative relations, jails, federal partners, collaboration, and state oversight. The interview was not […]
New FBI data shows Washington state surpassing national crime average

LACEY—Recently released 2023 FBI crime data shows, for the last five consecutive years when comparing Washington state to the national average, murders are 408% higher, vehicle thefts higher by 144%, and burglaries, robberies, and aggravated assaults are all higher since 2019. The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) released its annual crime rata report on Tuesday, July […]
2023 crime rates in Washington are down overall, hate crimes and vehicle thefts up

LACEY—The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs released its annual crime report on Tuesday, July 9, which found that, overall, crime rate across the state is down overall yet hate crimes and vehicle thefts continue to climb. Washington State still hasn’t returned to pre-pandemic crime rate levels, however, and still ranks last in staffed […]
Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office receives coveted WASPC accreditation

SNOHOMISH COUNTY—The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce that it is officially an accredited law enforcement agency through the Washington State Sheriffs and Police Chiefs Association (WASPC) with the coveted WASPC Accreditation Award. Sheriff Susanna Johnson, Lieutenant Tom Morris and Deputy Jacob Holmes received the certification from the WASPC Executive Board on behalf […]
A look at Portugal’s drug experiment, what’s working and what’s not

PORTUGAL, August 10, 2023—In July 2001 Portugal made a paradigm shift in how it handled drug crimes. The Portuguese Drug Policy Model implemented that year, decriminalized the public and private use, acquisition, and possession of all legal drugs if the amount did not surpass a 10-day supply. The decision was intent on moving drug use, […]
Those convicted of a drug crime in Snohomish County urged to seek Blake relief

SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash., May 26, 2023—State v. Blake is a 2021 Washington State Supreme Court decision that held that the drug possession law was unconstitutional. If you were convicted of soliciting possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, or certain other drug related misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor offenses in Snohomish County District Court you […]
Mayors across Snohomish County support recriminalizing illegal drugs

SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash., May 6, 2023—Fifteen mayors represented by the Mayors and Business Leaders for Public Safety coalition, join forces in a letter urging the Snohomish County Council to pass proposed Ordinance 23-046 to recriminalize controlled and counterfeit substances. “Currently, cites in Snohomish County and across Washington state are looking to enact laws governing the possession […]
Inslee announces Special Session, County leadership split on illegal drug policy

SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash., May 3, 2023—Hours after Snohomish County led the state in proposing an ordinance to recriminalize illegal drugs after the failure of legislature’s passage of the “Blake fix,” Governor Jay Inslee announced that he will call a special session to begin on May 16 that will focus on passing a new drug possession […]
County to consider scheduling a Public Hearing on ordinance to re-criminalize illegal drugs

SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash., May 1, 2023—At its upcoming Administrative Meeting on Tuesday, May 2, the Snohomish County Council is expected to vote on scheduling a Public Hearing for May 17 to propose an ordinance re-criminalizing controlled and counterfeit substances. To view the meeting’s agenda, click here. The ordinance, sponsored by Council President Jared Mead and […]