Washington continues to face significant challenges in law enforcement staffing, ranking last in the nation for the 15th consecutive year, according to FBI data analyzed by the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC). The organization’s Crime in Washington report, released July 28, provides a statewide overview of crime trends and staffing levels in 2024.
The report shows Washington gained 292 officers last year, bringing the number of officers per capita from 1.34 to 1.36. While this marks a small improvement, the state remains behind all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Staffing shortages can strain departments, increase response times, and affect officer wellness and retention.
Seattle is beginning to see progress, with more than 100 recruits hired this year and a goal of 150 by December. The department is working to rebuild its workforce after several years of losses.
According to WASPC, raising staffing levels to the national average would require more than $1 billion annually, while leading the nation would cost nearly $5 billion. Public safety leaders emphasize the need for continued investment in both prevention programs and accountability measures to strengthen safety in Washington communities.
