Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson unveiled his public safety plan in anticipation of the upcoming gubernatorial election.

Opponents and even a state legislator have responded strongly to the publication of the post.

The public safety plan has been posted on Ferguson’s campaign website, outlining key measures to ensure the safety of the community.

The state of Washington is facing significant public safety challenges, as the available data clearly indicate. It is evident that a fresh approach is needed to address these issues effectively. The safety and well-being of every resident in Washington should be prioritized, ensuring that they are free from any potential harm.

The plan aims to address several key priorities, including the recruitment of more law enforcement personnel at all levels, strengthening accountability for violent criminals, and addressing the backlog of untested rape kits at the state crime lab.

According to Rep. Gina Mosbrucker, R-Goldendale, Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s plan has been supported by Republicans for the past ten years.

“It wasn’t long ago that Ferguson’s party was advocating for police defunding. Therefore, although these items are all things we can support, they are also things we have been requesting for a considerable period,” stated Mosbrucker, who serves as the ranking minority member of the House Public Safety, Justice, and Reentry Committee.

Over the past decade, it has been disheartening to witness the consequences that our constituents have endured due to their decision to go against our advice.

Ferguson has outlined his strategy for tackling the severe shortage of law enforcement personnel and combating the fentanyl crisis. His approach involves utilizing the resources obtained from opioid companies that played a significant role in the epidemic, as recovered through litigation by the Attorney General’s office.

The plan also emphasizes the importance of providing law enforcement with enhanced technology and data, as well as promoting equity and implementing proven strategies to prevent youth crime, rather than solely focusing on responding to crimes.

Former King County Sheriff and gubernatorial candidate, Dave Reichert, expressed his belief that Attorney General Bob Ferguson is disconnected from the concerns and needs of the people. In an interview with The Center Square, Reichert emphasized his viewpoint on Ferguson’s lack of understanding and empathy towards the community.

“He doesn’t just lack understanding for the victims, but also fails to connect with the law enforcement officers who are striving to maintain order,” he expressed. “The proposed solutions he presents seem completely illogical to me.”

Reichert believes that the current state of affairs can be attributed to Ferguson’s inadequate leadership and limited grasp of law enforcement principles.

“We are facing a significant shortage of officers per capita, which is the lowest in the entire country. Seattle has experienced a decrease of nearly 400 officers, while King County is close to being 150 officers short. Similarly, smaller community departments are grappling with a shortage of 5, 8, 9, or even ten police officers, which significantly impacts their available resources.”

According to him, individuals are not choosing to become police officers due to insufficient pay. The main issue lies in the lack of support and the restrictions on enforcing the law. He believes that the key to recruiting capable police officers is to grant them the authority to enforce the law and provide them with the necessary backing and support when they have to make difficult decisions. He questions the whereabouts of Mr. Ferguson during all these years, as he is the one who has led them down this problematic path.

Reichert highlighted that the current recruiting crisis among police officers is hindering their ability to uphold the law. In addition, officers are feeling unsupported when they face difficult life-and-death situations, and are burdened with the fear of being charged with a crime for making such tough decisions.

Ferguson did not provide any comment before the publication, despite multiple requests.