State Audit Finds Mostly Compliant Shooting Probe
Washington State Auditor's Office reviewed the Office of Independent Investigations' handling of a fatal 2025 Centralia police shooting.
Washington Crime News
This page covers criminal activity, law enforcement operations, the justice system and public safety. Reporting follows individual incidents, investigations and the shifts in how the state addresses crime.
Drug Crime
Renton Man Sentenced to Prison for Drug Trafficking
Davon Malbrough receives a 50-month sentence for distributing fentanyl at a Bellingham homeless encampment.
Law Enforcement
Washington Officers Face Higher Shooting Rate Than Idaho
FBI figures for 2025 show Washington law enforcement was shot at more often per capita than Idaho law enforcement.
Criminal Justice
Live Poll
Should Washington limit how much the state pays out in lawsuits?
State Lawsuit Payouts Top $600 Million
Washington's fiscal year 2026 judgments, settlements and legal costs have prompted legislative proposals to streamline and study tort claims.
Financial Crime
Washington Agrees to $49.3 Million Settlement in Death Case
The state and Evergreen School District settled a lawsuit following the 2020 death of a young student.
Accidents
Washington Mechanic Died in Crane Lifting Accident
State investigators identified improper rigging and missing safety inspections as causes of the 2024 fatality.
More in Crime
Regular subjects here include police department policies, court proceedings, legislative changes affecting the justice system and major criminal investigations. Reporting spans from the capital to the rural counties where the systems are implemented differently. Seasonal patterns in activity levels often dictate which types of offenses dominate the news cycle throughout the year. Public safety initiatives and the allocation of resources to law enforcement are the factors that change most frequently.