How many police officers were killed in 2022?

How Many Police Officers Were Killed in 2022?

The year 2022 was marked by a tragic increase in the number of police officers killed in the line of duty. As of December 31, 2022, at least 143 police officers were killed in the United States, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF). This number represents a 14% increase from the 125 officers killed in 2021.

Leading Causes of Death

The majority of police officer fatalities in 2022 were the result of gunfire. 63 officers were killed in firearm-related incidents, accounting for 44% of all officer deaths. This is a significant increase from 2021, when 46 officers were killed by gunfire.

Motor Vehicle-Related Incidents

32 officers were killed in motor vehicle-related incidents, including traffic accidents and pedestrian-related deaths. This represents 22% of all officer fatalities in 2022.

Other Causes

48 officers were killed in other types of incidents, including 9 officers who died as a result of heart attacks or other medical emergencies. 7 officers were killed in suicide, and 2 officers were killed in flood-related incidents.

Rank and Department

The ranks of police officers killed in 2022 were varied, with 54 officers being officers (policing at the rank of officer or below), 46 officers being corporals or sergeants (ranks typically responsible for supervising other officers), and 43 officers being lieutenants or captains (ranks typically responsible for commanding a shift or division).

Geographical Distribution

The geographical distribution of police officer fatalities in 2022 was also varied. Texas led the nation with 13 officer fatalities, followed closely by California with 12 fatalities. Florida and Georgia each had 9 officer fatalities, and New York and Pennsylvania each had 7 officer fatalities.

Comparison to Previous Years

The 143 police officer fatalities in 2022 represent a significant increase from previous years. 2019 saw 102 officer fatalities, 2020 saw 111 officer fatalities, and 2021 saw 125 officer fatalities. The increase in officer fatalities in 2022 is concerning and underscores the need for continued investment in officer safety and wellness.

Recommendations

To reduce the number of police officer fatalities in future years, law enforcement agencies and policymakers must prioritize officer safety and wellness. This can include:

• Improving equipment and technology, such as body-worn cameras and ballistic vests
• Enhancing training and situational awareness, such as crisis intervention training and scenario-based training
• Increasing mental health resources and support, such as employee assistance programs and peer support teams
• Enhancing community engagement and relations, such as community policing initiatives and bias training
• Implementing measures to reduce risk, such as reducing speed limits and increasing traffic enforcement

Conclusion

The 143 police officer fatalities in 2022 are a sobering reminder of the risks that law enforcement officers face every day. As we move forward, it is essential that we prioritize officer safety and wellness, and work to reduce the number of officer fatalities in the years to come.

Table: Police Officer Fatalities by Cause

Table: Police Officer Fatalities by Rank

Table: Police Officer Fatalities by State

Note: The numbers are subject to change as more data becomes available.