Washington State Law Enforcement Agency Statistics
Maintaining public safety requires a coordinated network of agencies across various jurisdictions. In the state of Washington, this infrastructure is composed of numerous local and state-level organizations dedicated to law enforcement and community protection.
Law Enforcement Landscape in Washington
Based on data from the US Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), Washington utilizes a diverse array of agencies to manage its security needs. According to the 2008 Census of State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies, the state operated a total of 260 law enforcement agencies.
These agencies are staffed by sworn police officers—officers who have taken an oath to uphold the law and possess the legal authority to make arrests.
Police Staffing and Population Ratios
When analyzing the distribution of police personnel relative to the population, Washington presents a unique statistical profile. The state employed 11,411 sworn officers, which equates to approximately 174 officers for every 100,000 residents.
This figure is notably lower than the national trend. While the United States national average stands at 251 officers per 100,000 residents, Washington maintains the lowest ratio of police officers to residents of any state in the union.
| Metric | Washington State Value | US National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Total Law Enforcement Agencies | 260 | Not Specified |
| Total Sworn Police Officers | 11,411 | Not Specified |
| Officers per 100,000 Residents | 174 | 251 |
Key Facts
- Washington has 260 law enforcement agencies.
- The state employs 11,411 sworn police officers.
- The officer-to-resident ratio is 174 per 100,000 people.
- Washington has the lowest ratio of police officers to residents among all US states.
- The national average is significantly higher at 251 officers per 100,000 residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many law enforcement agencies are in Washington?
According to the 2008 Census of State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies, there are 260 agencies in the state.
What is the total number of sworn officers in Washington?
The state employs 11,411 sworn police officers.
How does Washington's police-to-resident ratio compare to the US average?
Washington has approximately 174 officers per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average of 251 per 100,000 residents.
Which state has the lowest ratio of police officers to residents?
Based on the provided data, Washington has the lowest ratio of police officers to residents of any state in the US.
What source provided these law enforcement statistics?
The data is sourced from the US Bureau of Justice Statistics' 2008 Census of State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies.