How Many Police Officers Have Been Killed This Year?
As of this writing, the year is halfway through, and unfortunately, police officers across the United States have already faced numerous deadly attacks. The question on everyone’s mind is: how many police officers have been killed this year?
According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund
As of June 15th, 2023, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) reported that 104 police officers have been killed in the line of duty so far this year. This represents a 22.2% increase from the same period last year.
Breakdown of Officer Fatalities by Type of Incident
The NLEOMF categorizes officer fatalities into three types:
- Line of Duty Deaths: Occurred while performing official duties.
- Accidental Deaths: Occurred during routine or non-duty-related activities.
- Homicide Deaths: Occurred as a result of a criminal act.
As of June 15th, 2023, the breakdown of officer fatalities is as follows:
| Category | Number of Fatalities |
|---|---|
| Line of Duty Deaths | 73 |
| Accidental Deaths | 14 |
| Homicide Deaths | 17 |
Trend Analysis
The NLEOMF has been tracking police officer fatalities for decades and has observed some notable trends:
- Motor Vehicle-Related Fatalities: Motor vehicle-related fatalities account for the majority of accidental deaths, with 8 officers killed in this manner so far this year.
- Gunfire: Gunfire-related incidents account for the majority of line of duty deaths, with 44 officers killed by gunfire so far this year.
- COVID-19: The NLEOMF reports that 12 officers died from COVID-19-related complications, highlighting the increased risk faced by law enforcement during the pandemic.
Top 5 States for Officer Fatalities
According to the NLEOMF, the top 5 states for officer fatalities in 2023 (as of June 15th) are:
- Texas: 11 fatalities
- California: 8 fatalities
- Florida: 7 fatalities
- New York: 6 fatalities
- Georgia: 5 fatalities
Conclusion
The question "How many police officers have been killed this year?" is a sobering one, and the answer is a stark reminder of the risks faced by law enforcement every day. The numbers are alarming, and it’s essential for the public to acknowledge the sacrifices made by police officers in the line of duty. The NLEOMF will continue to track and release updates on officer fatalities throughout the year. We must work together to support and honor our brave men and women in blue.
Additional Resources
For more information on police officer fatalities, please visit the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund website at www.nleomf.org.
