EPD 2024 Annual Report Released

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  The Ellensburg Police Department (EPD) released its 2024 annual reportNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The Ellensburg Police Department (EPD) showed a 67% decrease in juvenile crime compared to 2023“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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  Violent juvenile crime decreased by 75% compared to 2023No usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The report noted a 191% increase in mental health referrals since 2015“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 by 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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  The Ellensburg Police Department (EPD) reported no controlled substance overdose deaths in 2024“During 2024, there was not a single reported controlled substance overdose death. In 2023 we had 9.”
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  There were nine controlled substance overdose deaths in 2023“During 2023 we had 9.”
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  Officers administered NARCAN six times to opioid overdose victims in 2024“During 2024 officers administered NARCAN 6 times to subjects who overdosed on an opioid.”
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  The department's new Crime and Intelligence Analysis unit is working to develop programs based on data to reduce crime“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 CHASE program is partnering with Central Washington University“Community Health & Safety Experience (CHASE) Program – Program to improve policing in the future, in partnership with CWU. This program will expose participants to the reality of todays policing through exposure to homelessness, mental health, substance abuse and our various partners.”
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  The CHASE program provides work experience for students interested in criminal justice“Through this program CWU students who qualify can receive work experience credits. This program is also open to non-student participants interested in a career in the criminal justice field.”