TACOMA, Wash. — The City of Tacoma and the nearby small city of Ruston have the highest violent crime rates in Washington state, according to the most recent FBI crime data , putting public safety at the center of Tacoma’s mayoral race.

The violent crime rates are calculated based off population and reported violent crimes.

The two candidates vying to be Tacoma’s next mayor acknowledge that addressing the city's violent crime problem is a priority.

Mayoral candidate John Hines said the city’s violent crime rate was unacceptable.

“It's just it's a real focus on addressing crime and the root causes of crime here in the community. And both fully staffing our police department, but also just, those investments in the community, really get to it. And I think the more we can try to do both

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