AG Holder: 2011 Duty Deaths 'Simply Unacceptable'

Duty deaths have spiked in 2011 with a 20% increase through March 22 compared to 2010. So far in 2011, 49 officers have died in the line of duty, according to preliminary data from NLEOMF. The spike in duty deaths began in 2010 after a two-year decline. There were 162 LODDs, 45 more than 2009.

U.S. attorneys will begin meeting with local law enforcement officials around the country to reduce a spike in duty deaths Attorney General Eric Holder called "simply unacceptable" on Tuesday.

Duty deaths have spiked in 2011 with a 20% increase through March 22 compared to 2010. So far in 2011, 49 officers have died in the line of duty, according to preliminary data from NLEOMF. The spike in duty deaths began in 2010 after a two-year decline. There were 162 LODDs, 45 more than 2009.

In 2011, 23 officers have died from gunfire, 15 from traffic accidents, and 11 from other causes. Of the 21 states that have lost officers, Florida has had the most with 10. New York and Ohio have had five.

The data did not count the fatal shooting of Athens (Ga.) Police Officer Elmer "Buddy" Christian today in a shootout with a carjacking suspect.

On Tuesday, Holder met with law enforcement officials from 31 agencies, including Charles Ramsey, the Philadelphia police commissioner; Cathy Lanier, the Washington police chief; and Ray Kelly, the New York City police commissioner, reports Business Week.

About the Author
Page 1 of 2351
Next Page