Crime rates across Washington state have been increasing exponentially in recent years. Since 2015, violent crime has increased by 55% and our state is now ranked third in the nation for total car thefts. And this isn’t just a trend for us here in Washington state; it’s a national trend. In the first half of 2023, homicides remain 24% higher than in 2019. Meanwhile, fentanyl is plaguing our communities at dramatic rates. As we grapple with these unsettling realities, it's imperative we recognize the invaluable role played by our law enforcement officers and provide them with the support and resources they desperately need.
Being a police officer is, without a doubt, an honorable and noble profession. These brave men and women in blue put their lives on the line every day to defend the safety and security of our neighborhoods. They maintain law and order, often under challenging and dangerous circumstances. Unfortunately, while crime continues to ravage our communities, we cannot recruit and retain enough law enforcement officers. Washington state has fewer law enforcement officers per capita than almost any other state. While there is no single contributing cause to this plight, it would be foolish to ignore Governor Inslee and the Democrats in the state legislature’s soft-on-crime and lenient drug policies as a contributing factor to this concerning trend.
This Congress, I voted yes on H. Con. Res. 40 to support local law enforcement and condemn efforts to defund or dismantle local law enforcement agencies. While there are those who wage an unprecedented attack on our local law enforcement, our police officers deserve our unwavering support and resources to keep our communities safe.
This isn’t just a problem for just local jurisdictions, it affects tribal police even worse. Native tribes in Central Washington and across the nation are encountering significant barriers in recruiting and retaining law enforcement officers for their reservation lands because their officers are unable to receive federal benefits. To address this crisis, I introduced the Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act. This legislation would allow tribal law enforcement officers to be considered federal law enforcement officers and enforce federal law, provided they meet certain qualifications, as well as receive the federal benefits they rightfully deserve. This legislation not only recognizes the unique challenges faced by tribal police but also underscores our commitment to bolstering law enforcement across all communities.
However, our efforts must extend beyond policy changes alone. Over the past few years, we've witnessed a concerning rise in anti-police rhetoric, particularly following the events of the summer 2021 riots. This divisive discourse has contributed to a disturbing trend of officers leaving their positions and potential recruits choosing alternative career paths. It is crucial we bridge this gap through strong support of our law enforcement and engage in constructive conversations that highlight how important they are to protecting us.
The challenges faced by law enforcement are significant, and it is our duty as citizens and leaders to provide unwavering support. Crime rates may be on the rise, but we cannot allow this to overshadow the incredible work our police officers do every day. We can collectively strengthen our communities and ensure a safer future for all through concerted efforts that will honor the dedication and sacrifice of our men and women in blue and provide them with the support and resources they need.
