Crime in Washington (state)

Crime rates in the state of Washington grew rapidly to large levels from 1960 to 1980, however slowed in growth from 1980 onward.

[1] Throughout this time period, although no direct cause could be determined, it was believed that part of the continuing increases in crime was widely due to soft policies towards parole release of criminals, poor treatment of prisoners and weak rehabilitation programs which all led to re-offending.

This growth rate later dropped by 11% with the total number of cases of violent crime standing at 21,788 at the end of 2000.

[2] Additionally, there was also data to suggest that the increase in taxpayer costs contributed to decreasing crime rates through funding towards the criminal justice system in Washington.

[31] These are programs aimed at specific age ranges with the overall purpose to prevent & reduce the risk of crimes and criminals occurring.