During a recent Kennewick City Council workshop, a significant discussion centered on the impact of drug-related crimes in the community. A presentation highlighted that ten specific crimes account for nearly 80% of the city's misdemeanors, with theft and drug-related offenses being particularly prevalent.

The data revealed that crimes directly associated with alcohol or drug use make up about 20% of all prosecutions, while those indirectly related account for nearly 25%. This means that a combined total of 44% of the crimes prosecuted in Kennewick are linked to drug use, amounting to 729 out of 3,926 cases in 2024. This figure is notably higher than the total number of cases prosecuted in Spokane Valley, Washington's eighth largest city, underscoring a pressing issue for local law enforcement and community safety.

The timeline of legislative changes was also discussed, noting that the Washington State Supreme Court decriminalized possession of controlled substances on February 25, 2021. Following this, the Kennewick City Council authorized the police department to begin prosecuting public use and disposal of drugs in March 2023, and possession offenses in August 2023. In response to these challenges, a pretrial diversion program was established to address drug-related offenses more effectively.

This workshop highlighted the ongoing struggle with drug-related crime in Kennewick and the city's efforts to adapt to changing laws while ensuring community safety. As the council continues to address these issues, residents can expect further discussions on strategies to combat the impact of drug use on local crime rates.