Conservative-leaning enclave in blue state drives down crime as residents of liberal counties pay price

A Blue State Sheriff’s Perspective on Crime and Policing: How One County Bucks the Trend

In an era where crime rates are rising across many parts of the United States, Kittitas County in Washington State stands out as a rare exception. Sheriff Clay Myers, who leads law enforcement efforts in this predominantly conservative county nestled within a largely liberal state, attributes this success to strong community support and a commitment to effective policing. While Washington State as a whole grapples with a surge in violent crime—earned its reputation as one of the least policed states in the nation—Kittitas County has managed to buck this troubling trend. Myers shared his insights with Fox News Digital, explaining how a combination of local values, proactive law enforcement, and partnerships between citizens and authorities have kept crime rates stable despite population growth and statewide challenges.

The Statewide Crisis: Rising Crime and Lack of Policing

Sheriff Myers painted a stark picture of Washington State’s struggles with public safety. Over the past five years, the state has seen a dangerous rise in crime rates, which Myers directly links to a severe shortage of law enforcement personnel. He emphasized that Washington has one of the lowest ratios of law enforcement officers to citizens in the country. This shortage, he argued, has created an environment where crime can flourish. “We, unfortunately, as a state, have a very low ratio of law enforcement to its citizens,” Myers noted. “And here in our county, our community supports law enforcement. And our local legislative body supports law enforcement. They understand that less policing has a direct correlation to more crime.” Myers pointed to studies that highlight the relationship between police presence and crime rates, underscoring the importance of adequate staffing to maintain public safety.

Kittitas County: A Model of Community-Led Safety

Despite being part of a state with significant policing challenges, Kittitas County has defied the odds. Myers explained that the county has maintained a relatively stable crime rate over the past five years, even as its population has grown. He attributed this success not to any inherent difference in the county’s residents or government but to a shared commitment to safety and a explicit intolerance for crime. “Our community tends to be less tolerant of crime,” Myers said. “They’re just simply less tolerant of it.” This collective mindset, he suggested, fosters an environment where law enforcement can thrive, supported by both citizens and local leaders. The county’s proactive approach to community policing and its focus on building trust between officers and residents have also played a key role in maintaining stability.

The Role of Local Government and Budgeting

Myers acknowledged that maintaining effective law enforcement is not without its challenges, particularly when it comes to budget constraints. However, he emphasized the importance of strong backing from local government, which has allowed the county to prioritize public safety. “Our local government supports us,” he said. “And that’s where the difference comes in—is that we’re able to put more law enforcement out there. We understand community policing. We understand that we are part of the community.” This philosophy has enabled Kittitas County to invest in its law enforcement team, ensuring that officers have the resources they need to do their jobs effectively. Myers also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the sheriff’s office, prosecutors, and the courts to ensure justice is served and crime is deterred.

The Bigger Picture: Challenges Faced by Neighboring Counties

While Kittitas County’s success story is encouraging, Myers was quick to acknowledge that not all law enforcement agencies in Washington State are as fortunate. Many sheriffs across the state face significant hurdles, including inadequate funding and a lack of support from local governments. “I’m not trying to criticize anybody here, but they don’t all have the support of their legislative branch,” Myers said. “And that’s where the funding comes from. That’s what allows them to have an adequate number of law enforcement on the street, an adequate number of detectives, an adequate number of forensic support.” He expressed solidarity with his fellow law enforcement leaders, many of whom are doing their best with limited resources. Myers’ comments highlight the broader public safety challenges facing Washington State and the need for systemic changes to address them.

Statewide Efforts to Address Policing and Crime

In January, Washington State welcomed a new governor, Bob Ferguson, who has identified public safety as a top priority. Ferguson has acknowledged the state’s struggles with crime and policing, noting that Washington ranks last in the nation for the number of law enforcement officers per capita. To address these challenges, he has proposed a $100 million initiative aimed at helping police departments recruit more officers. While Kittitas County’s experience demonstrates the power of local solutions, the state’s broader struggles with crime and policing underscore the need for comprehensive statewide reforms. Ferguson’s efforts signify a step toward addressing these issues, but the road ahead will likely require continued collaboration between law enforcement, local governments, and citizens.

In conclusion, Kittitas County’s story offers a beacon of hope amid a statewide crime surge. Sheriff Clay Myers’ insights highlight the importance of community support, effective law enforcement strategies, and local leadership in maintaining public safety. While challenges remain, both at the county and state levels, the success of Kittitas County serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when citizens and authorities work together to prioritize safety and justice.