Friday, May 15, is Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week of May 11 to 15 is Police Week in tribute to local, state, and federal peace officers killed in the line of duty. In 2014, 126 officers lost their lives protecting their communities.
Recently it may seem that there is a battle between peace officers and some citizen groups across the country, not the unified battle against crime and social chaos. Peace officers protect those who are vulnerable. The battle against crime cannot be fought without the trust and support of the communities we serve.
The increased scrutiny of law enforcement agencies across the country may be seen as negative, but actually it is a positive, allowing agencies to ensure they are operating in the most ethical and professional manner.
There is positive news. In Washington State, during the last 30 years, serious felony crimes are down 43 percent and violent crimes are down 27 percent, based on crimes reported per 1,000 residents. This has been accomplished without over-incarceration in our prison system.
Who is in prison? Of our current prison population in Washington, 70 percent are violent offenders and 20 percent are serious sex offenders. Ten years ago, one in four inmates were incarcerated for drug crimes. Today, it’s one in 12, just 10 percent of current prison population.
The number of police officers in our state has fallen by more than 330 officers since 2008. All of this success could not have been possible without a substantial public investment (you the tax-paying citizen) in criminal justice infrastructure which is up 120 percent. Adjusted for inflation, this is an increase in the average annual family investment from $550 in 1980 to $1,200 today.
Washington State is one of the safest states in the country, and the Snoqualmie Valley is by far one of the safest parts of King County to live, work, and raise a family.
From a law enforcement standpoint, we are fortunate to have a high level of trust and confidence from our residents. This is the direct result of proactive community engagement and our “No Call Too Small” policing philosophy.
During Police Week, and particularly on May 15, I would like to thank our residents for the overwhelming support of our officers serving in Snoqualmie and North Bend. I would also ask that you take a moment to remember the officers across the country who gave their lives in the name of preserving social order, safety and security.
When you see an officer this week, say hello and thank them for their service. This small, but very important gesture, means more to them than you know.
Steven McCulley
Chief of Police, Snoqualmie/North Bend
