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Kent says crime near 2019 levels after SOTA ordinance and police upgrades

City of Kent ยท January 16, 2026

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Summary

An official reported that "Over the past 19 months, crime in Kent has declined to near 2019 levels," credited a new SOTA (Stay Out of Drug Area) ordinance and investments in enforcement, and noted police implementation of a new Axon Records Management System and recognition for Detective Richardson.

Unidentified Speaker said public safety remained the city's top priority and that "Over the past 19 months, crime in Kent has declined to near 2019 levels" across almost every major category. The speaker attributed progress to "strategic investments in enforcement, accountability, and partnerships," and specifically thanked the city council for passing the "SOTA or Stay Out of Drug Area ordinance," saying it has helped disrupt repeat criminal activity in targeted areas.

The speech also noted technology investments: Kent Police "fully implemented a new Axon Records Management System, integrating case safety, and public trust." The address highlighted individual recognition, saying Detective Richardson received the FBI Director's Award for roles in dismantling a multi-county robbery group that affected the region.

The remarks presented crime statistics as a measured trend over the past 19 months but did not provide raw data tables or detailed crime-category breakdowns in the transcript. The speaker framed the combination of ordinance tools, enforcement coordination, prosecution and court orders as contributing to measurable improvements in safety and livability.