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5 Critical Updates From The Ellensburg WA Police Department: What The 2025 Crime Report Reveals

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The Ellensburg Police Department (EPD) has been at the forefront of community-focused policing, and as of December 20, 2025, the department continues to roll out new initiatives while reporting on significant shifts in local crime statistics. These updates are crucial for residents, students attending Central Washington University (CWU), and businesses in Kittitas County, reflecting a strategic focus on collaboration and data-driven law enforcement.

The latest information, drawn from the EPD's 2024 Annual Report presented in September 2025, highlights both major successes in crime reduction and new programs designed to tackle persistent issues like juvenile crime and gang influence. Understanding these developments provides a clear picture of the current public safety landscape in Ellensburg, Washington.

EPD Leadership and Core Operational Profile

The Ellensburg Police Department operates from its physical address at 100 N. Pearl Street, Ellensburg, WA 98926, serving the community with a commitment to effective policing through cooperation with its residents.

  • Chief of Police: The department is led by Chief Ken Wade, who regularly presents the department’s findings and strategic direction to the Ellensburg City Council.
  • Jurisdiction: The EPD primarily serves the City of Ellensburg, Washington, and works in coordination with broader Kittitas County law enforcement agencies.
  • Contact Information: The main phone number for non-emergencies is (509) 962-7280.
  • Staffing Updates: As of September 2025, the EPD has actively been hiring for both Lateral and Entry Police Officer positions, indicating a continuous effort to maintain and expand its operational capacity.
  • Policy Manual: The department maintains a comprehensive Policy Manual, with the 2025 version available to the public, underscoring its commitment to transparency and modern policing standards.

The Nuanced 2024 Crime Report: Record Lows and Critical Concerns

Chief Ken Wade delivered the department’s 2024 Crime Report to the City Council on September 15, 2025, revealing a complex and nuanced public safety picture for the city.

The report, which draws data from a July 28, 2025, WASPC (Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs) press release, showed a significant overall decline in reported crime.

Lowest NIBRS Crime Rate on Record

Ellensburg recorded its lowest NIBRS (National Incident-Based Reporting System) crime rate in the city's history in 2024.

This decline in the overall crime index score and reported crime is a testament to the department's strategies and the cooperation of the community.

Specifically, the report highlighted a noticeable decrease in both juvenile crime and violent offenses over the reporting period.

A Contradictory Data Point: Murder Rates

Despite the overall positive trend in crime reduction, one data point presents a serious concern that the department must address. Ellensburg was noted as having one of the nation’s highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data, with a total of two murders reported in the data reviewed.

This highlights the dual challenge facing the EPD: maintaining the broad reduction in property and non-violent crime while dedicating resources to preventing high-impact, violent offenses.

The projected total cost of crime in Ellensburg for 2025 is estimated to be over $12 million, or approximately $472 per resident, which is a key metric the EPD aims to reduce through its community programs.

Innovative Community-Focused Policing Initiatives for 2025

In response to the data, particularly the 2023 increase in juvenile crime and gang influence, the Ellensburg Police Department has launched and expanded several targeted community programs.

The CHASE Program: A 2025 Collaborative Launch

The most significant new initiative is the Community Health & Safety Experience (CHASE) Program.

This collaborative program was developed specifically to address the rise in juvenile crime and the need for a better understanding of gang-related issues.

The first cohort of the CHASE Program is an anticipated event, scheduled to begin during the Central Washington University (CWU) fall quarter in 2025, marking a new partnership between law enforcement and the university.

Key Community Outreach Programs

The EPD’s commitment to community policing is evident in its range of programs designed to foster citizen cooperation and information sharing.

  • Citizens Academy: This popular program provides residents with an insider’s view of the department's operations, held every fall.
  • Community Impact Notification Program: This program is vital for quickly sharing information with residents and stakeholders, including Central Washington University, about events that impact community health and safety.
  • Handle With Care Program: A specific crime reduction program aimed at providing support and intervention for vulnerable community members.
  • Graffiti Abatement Program: A dedicated effort to maintain the aesthetic and safety of the city by swiftly addressing vandalism.
  • Reserve Officer Program: This program trains and equips state-certified Reserve Officers, who provide supplemental support to the full-time staff.
  • National Night Out: An annual event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, which promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.

Transparency and Public Access to Information

The Ellensburg Police Department prioritizes open communication with its citizens. This is achieved through multiple channels and policies.

The EPD’s annual reports, like the recent 2024 Crime Report, are made publicly available on the City of Ellensburg’s official website, ensuring residents have access to the data used to inform police strategy.

Furthermore, the department utilizes a Community Impact Notification Program to ensure the widest dissemination and accessibility of information sharing, particularly during critical incidents.

For those seeking specific records, the department processes Concealed Pistol License (CPL) applications and renewals by appointment only, a standard procedure for firearms-related documentation.

In alignment with modern law enforcement practices, the EPD also provides resources for locating registered sex offenders and offers specific links for domestic violence resources, connecting the community with critical support services.

The ongoing recruitment efforts, posted on platforms like Public Safety Testing, also demonstrate a commitment to bolstering the police force with qualified personnel, from entry-level to lateral transfers, ensuring the department remains fully staffed to handle the demands of a growing city and university population.

The Ellensburg Police Department’s strategic focus for 2025 is clearly defined: leverage the success of overall crime reduction while aggressively tackling complex social issues like juvenile delinquency and gang influence through innovative, collaborative programs like CHASE.

5 Critical Updates from the Ellensburg WA Police Department: What the 2025 Crime Report Reveals
ellensburg wa police department
ellensburg wa police department

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