CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Violent crime, property crime, and drug overdose deaths across West Virginia have dropped dramatically in the past year, Gov. Patrick Morrisey and his administration said Tuesday.
Morrisey, State Police Superintendent Col. Jim Mitchell and others touted the improvements shown in the 2025 numbers released during a news conference in Clarksburg.
Morrisey said thanks to the efforts of local, state, and federal officers, the violent crime has dropped 5.6 percent. Aggravated assault cases represent about 80 percent of the total reports, sexual assaults about 19 percent, and murders and robberies make up a very small share. Drug overdose deaths dropped by 12 percent during 2025.
“One violent crime is too many, but a 5.6 percent drop is meaningful,” Morrisey said. “It dropped from 4,310 offenses to 4,070, and that places our rate about 31 percent below the national average.”
Property crimes like vehicle theft, burglary reports, and arson cases all took a major dive in 2025, according to the governor.
“Property crime went down about 13.5 percent,” Morrisey said. “Down from 19,289 offenses down to 16,685, and that is significant as well.”
Mitchell said they have confiscated nearly 80 pounds of fentanyl, brick presses, weapons, cash, and ammunition that will not fall into the wrong hands. Mitchell said their work with local and federal partners will not slow down.
“In addition to that, there are pounds of methamphetamine, firearms, and other evidence taken off the street,” Mitchell said. “That represents drugs, firearms, and weapons that will not reach our communities.”
West Virginia First Foundation Executive Director Jonathan Board reported the organization has made heavy investments into 171 recovery-related projects across the state. Every dollar invested is tracked, and the programs are measured to ensure those in recovery get the support they need, Board said.
“Reinvesting $40 million, and soon to be $50 million throughout the state,” Board said. “What does that mean in reality? It places the West Virginia First Foundation as the fastest granting program of its kind in America, moving funds into communities.”
Morrissey also said there are no plans to let up, and there are active investigations going on right now that will further slow the drug trade in the state.
“All across the state there have been team efforts of local law enforcement partnering with state and federal officials to put the safety of West Virginians first,” Morrisey said.