Whitman County Gazette - Serving Whitman County since 1877

Over the past few years, our state has witnessed a steady rise in several types of crime. This has caused serious harm in many communities on both sides of the state, and many Washingtonians continue to live in fear that their families and homes and businesses will be touched by crime at some point.

One key reason for the crime hike is the state’s low number of law-enforcement officers per capita. Washington ranks dead last among all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

But another likely reason for the higher crime rates in our state is what some call the “revolving door” crimina...