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Bellevue Police report 6% drop in 2024 crime; chiefs outline staffing gains and recruitment efforts
Summary
Chief Wendell Shirley told the City Council the department saw a 6% drop in overall reported crime in 2024 and described hiring and retention steps that reduced vacancies since April 2024. The department also reported improved response times, a community survey program and targeted initiatives for shoplifting and domestic violence.
Bellevue Police Chief Wendell Shirley told the City Council on Feb. 4 that the department’s 2024 crime statistics show a 6% reduction in overall reported crime and described ongoing recruiting and retention efforts to rebuild staffing after regional and national workforce pressures.
"Our 2024 crime statistics show us that we had a 6% reduction in our overall crime," Chief Shirley said in the study session. He reported a 2% reduction in crimes against persons, a 7% reduction in crimes against property, and a 4% increase in crimes against society driven largely by drug-related reports tied to changes in law and enforcement practice after the 2021 Blake decision and a 2023 legislative fix.
Chief Shirley outlined…
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