Police Officer Deaths by Cause

In a recent report released by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, data was compiled on the leading causes of death for law enforcement officers in the line of duty in the United States.

According to the report, gunfire continues to be the leading cause of death for law enforcement officers, with 12,270 deaths in 2021. Automobile crashes and motorcycle crashes were the next most common causes, with 2,396 and 1,162 deaths respectively.

Other causes of death include heart attacks, vehicular assaults, and being struck by a vehicle. It’s worth noting that COVID-19 was responsible for 773 deaths, making it the seventh leading cause of death for law enforcement officers in the line of duty.

The report also includes lesser-known causes of death, such as drowning, heatstroke, animal-related incidents, and exposure to toxins. The data provides important insights into the risks that law enforcement officers face while on the job, and highlights the need for continued efforts to improve officer safety and reduce the number of deaths in the line of duty.