The number of police officers shot and killed in the line of duty hit a record high in 2023, according to a report by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP).
The National Police Group, which has more than 373,000 members, said 378 police officers were shot and killed in the line of duty in 2023, a 14% increase from 330 in 2022.
According to FOP reports, 378 police officers were shot, 46 of them fatally. Additionally, there were 115 ambush attacks on law enforcement agencies during the year.
The report noted that the number of police officers shot and killed since 2018 has increased by 60%.
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The FOP reported that 378 police officers were shot during 2023, 46 of whom were fatal. (Andy Alfaro/The Modesto Bee, via AP)
FOP President Patrick Yaws said the organization had hoped 2022 would be a “high water mark”.
“Last year, more than 330 police officers were shot and killed in the line of duty. As the COVID-19 pandemic passes, far too many Americans will see the tragic consequences of defunding the police movement. “We were hoping that these numbers would rebound after the “highest standard,'' Yaws said. “We were wrong.”
Despite the highest number of police fatalities on record, Yaws attributed the decline in deaths to advances in technology.
“Thankfully, thanks to dramatic advances in medical trauma science and anti-ballistic technology, the lethality of these attacks has decreased, with only 46 police officers shot in the line of duty dying. “We did,” Yaws said.
He continued: “Many people look at this data and only see numbers, but we must remember that they represent heroes: fathers, mothers, sons and daughters. Violence on this scale is horrifying and completely unsustainable. “This profession is facing a recruitment and retention crisis. I would want my child to become a police officer, knowing the risks I face every day.” Do I have a father or a mother?”
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The number of police officers shot and killed has increased by 60% since 2018, according to the FOP report. (St. Petersburg)
Yaws is pushing for Congress to pass the Protective Services Act, which would create federal criminal penalties for those who target police officers.
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“Let's be honest: Violence against the people we are sworn to protect and serve is unacceptable. It is a stain on our society and it must end.” “We have a duty to our elected officials and community leaders to stand up and support our heroes and speak out against violence against law enforcement officers.”
