A new report at Axios may explain why Washington state is experiencing a surge in the number of active concealed pistol licenses (CPL), a fact which seems to now be getting increasing media attention.
The Axios report refers to the annual Crime in Washington report from the Washington Association of Sheriffs & Police Chiefs (WASPC). According to that report, Washington remains in last place when it comes to the number of commissioned peace officers per capita (1,000 residents).
Over the past seven months, Washington has added just over 14,000 active CPLs, from 699,140 on Dec. 31 to 713,195 on July 31. That’s more than the 5,852 more CPLs which were added to the rolls in all of 2024, according to data from the state Department of Licensing.
According to a report at Ammoland, “Considering the rise in concealed carry, it appears more people are taking responsibility for their safety and that of their families.”
While WASPC says crime is decreasing, nightly news broadcasts from all the local Seattle-based network affiliates seem to be leading with reports of violent crimes. Since Aug. 1, Seattle has experienced five homicides. Stories about assault and armed robbery seem like a nightly event.
Axios quotes WASPC Executive Director Steve Strachan, a former King County Sheriff and Bremerton police chief, who estimates it could cost more than $1 billion annually to bring Evergreen State law enforcement staffing up to the national average, “based on the state Department of Commerce’s $154,704 per-officer estimate.”
The Washington State Standard is reporting the number of active CPLs “is climbing rapidly in the face of a new state law that will require prospective gun owners to secure a state permit before purchasing a firearm.” The same law will require CPL applicants and those seeking to renew their licenses to show proof of completion of a state-approved firearms course which will include a live fire component.
That new law takes effect in May 2027, although between now and then it may be challenged in state and/or federal court, and it will certainly be challenged after taking effect.
While Washington may be in last place where police manpower is concerned, it is among the top ten states in terms of the percentage of qualified adults who are licensed to carry, roughly 1-in-9 or 1-in-10.
