Public Safety

Ellensburg Police Report Shows Crime Trends

Thursday, July 23, 2026

2 min read

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Ellensburg Police Department reported a 67% drop in juvenile crime for 2024, with violent juvenile crime down 75%, according to their annual report presented March 3, 2025.

The report noted a 191% increase in mental health referrals over 10 years, reaching 497 in 2024, though suicide-related calls decreased 35% from 2018 levels. Drug enforcement increased 48% in 2024, with no opioid overdose deaths reported compared to nine in 2023.

The department's new Crime and Intelligence Analysis unit is using data to guide crime reduction efforts, including programs like CHASE and Graffiti Abatement.

📄 Source: Local Government — https://www.ci.ellensburg.wa.us/DocumentCenter/View/23346/2024-Annual-Rpt-Council-Presentation

Source receipts10 of 11 claims supported · 91%

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Ellensburg Police Department reported a 67% drop in juvenile crime for 2024“During 2024, juvenile crime decreased by 67%, crimes of violence decrease 75% and the total individuals decreased by 56%, but we experienced a juvenile gang related murder.”
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Ellensburg Police Department's annual report was presented March 3, 2025“2024 Annual Report Council Presentation Chief Ken Wade March 3, 2025 Introduction 2024 in review.”
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Ellensburg Police Department reported a 75% drop in violent juvenile crime“• During 2024, juvenile crime decreased by 67%, crimes of violence decrease 75% and the total individuals decreased by 56%, but we experienced a juvenile gang related murder.”
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The report noted a 191% increase in mental health referrals over 10 years“In 2015, the Ellensburg Police Department made 171 mental health referrals. During calendar year 2024 that number has increased to 497, a 191% increase over 10 years and it is continuing to grow.”
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Mental health referrals reached 497 in 2024“During calendar year 2024 that number has increased to 497, a 191% increase over 10 years and it is continuing to grow.”
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Suicide-related calls decreased 35% from 2018 levels“• In 2018, the highest year, the department responded to 148 suicidal calls. During 2024, we were down to 96 calls, a 35% decrease.”
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Drug enforcement increased 48% in 2024“• We had a 48% increase in drug enforcement • Officers responded to 16 non-fatal drug overdoses with the youngest being 17 months-old.”
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No opioid overdose deaths were reported in 2024“During 2024, there was not a single reported controlled substance overdose death.”
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Nine opioid overdose deaths were reported in 2023“In 2023 we had 9.”
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The department's new Crime and Intelligence Analysis unit is using data to guide crime reduction efforts“Crime and Intelligence Analysis: • This is the newest component of the department, focused on our mission to reduce crime and improve the quality of life in Ellensburg utilizing scientific analysis. We’re working to develop programs, and analyze problems, to support our evidence-based policing model. This function gives the department the ability to research new and existing programs, which improves the quality of life and mitigates the impact of crime in our community.”
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The department's Crime and Intelligence Analysis unit is including programs like CHASE and Graffiti AbatementNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.