OLYMPIA, Wash. — Crime experts presented the latest statistics to Washington state legislators, revealing that while crime rates continue to decrease, the state has not returned to pre-pandemic levels.

The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) reported overall crime reductions last year, compared to 2023.

Murders dropped by 17%, with robberies down 16%.

However, homicide totals remain significantly higher than pre-pandemic 2019 levels.

According to WASPC, there were 312 homicide victims in 2024, down from 376 in 2023 and a record-high 399 in 2022.

In 2019, the state had 207 homicides, said WASPC.

Data from the Federal Bureau of Investigations highlighted the number of unsolved cases in the state.

FBI data underscores the challenge facing Washington's justice s

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