Title: A Tale of Two Trends: Overall Fatalities Fall, Fatal Shootings on the Rise

Publication Date: December 2009

What does it say?

Preliminary statistics for 2009 show that while officer deaths declined 6 percent to their lowest level since 1959, firearm-related fatalities increased 26 percent, to 49, in 2009. 

Nearly one-third of 2009’s firearm fatalities occurred in five incidents in which more than one officer was fatally shot by the same gunman.  The most common scenario leading to a fatal law enforcement shooting was responding to domestic disturbance calls (12/49).

The number of firearm deaths of law enforcement officers remains low by historical standards, despite this disturbing increase.

How can I use it?

The tragic deaths of law enforcement officers by gunfire is an urgent reminder that we need to make it harder for dangerous people, especially domestic abusers, to get their hands on guns in the first place.  We can do that by requiring a background check for every sale of a gun, including sales at gun shows.

Citation

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, in conjunction with Concerns of Police Survivors, Law Enforcement Officer Deaths: Preliminary 2009, A Tale of Two Trends: Overall Fatalities Fall, Fatal Shootings on the Rise, December 2009