FBI Releases Preliminary Report on Officers Killed and Assaulted
A total of 93 officers were killed in the line of duty last year, according to a portion of the FBI’s "Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted, 2017" (LEOKA) report released today.
A total of 93 officers were killed in the line of duty last year, according to a portion of the FBI’s "Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted, 2017" (LEOKA) report released today.
Of these deaths, 46 were felonious and 47 were accidental.
Both numbers have decreased from 2016, when 66 officers were feloniously killed and 52 were accidentally killed, for a total of 118 line-of-duty deaths.
The FBI collects data on officer assaults and deaths from local, state, tribal, campus, and federal law enforcement agencies from around the country, as well as organizations that track officer deaths. The Bureau publishes the data annually through its Uniform Crime Reporting Program, and the national-level statistics can be used to help create data-driven safety training for officers.
Among the officers who were feloniously killed:
* The average age was 38 years old, with an average tenure of 11 years in law enforcement.
* Forty-three of the officers were men, and three were women.
* Most of the officers (42) were killed by firearms, three were killed by vehicles (used as weapons), and one officer was killed with a knife.
Among the officers who were accidentally killed:
* The average age was 40 years old, with an average tenure of 12 years in law enforcement.
* Forty-five were men, and two were women.
* The most common accidental deaths were automobile accidents (29), being struck by vehicles (six), or motorcycle/ATV accidents (five).
To provide more timely data to the public, the FBI released portions of its annual LEOKA publication today, instead of in the fall as we have in past years. The remaining portions of the publication, featuring data on officer assaults in the line of duty for 2017, will be released later this year.
More Patrol

PositionPTT & Pryme Combine Communication Technologies to Deliver Distracted Driving Compliance
Pryme Radio Accessories and hardware/software maker PositionPTT join forces to advance hands-free communications and ensure Department of Transportation compliance using an integrated system of push-to-talk platforms, devices, and audio equipment.
Read More →
Justice Department Releases $25M in Law Enforcement Grants & Resources
The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services has just released $25 million in new grant Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) to support law enforcement. The recently released NOFOs include the Safer Outcomes: Enhancing Crisis Response Training for Law Enforcement Program and other grant programs.
Read More →
What Makes a Laptop Rugged or Fully Rugged?
What separates a rugged laptop from a fully rugged one? In this video, two Panasonic Connect experts explain the military testing, IP ratings, durability standards, and real-world features that help law enforcement officers rely on their computers in any environment.
Read More →
Avon Technologies Appoints Vasilios Brachos as Team Wendy President
Longtime ballistic helmet leader Vasilios Brachos has been selected to guide the next chapter of protection, innovation, and growth at Team Wendy.
Read More →
Brinc Raises $125M to Put a 911 Response Drone on Every Police and Fire Station Roof
The latest round of funding, $125 million, can help fuel Brinc’s mission to deploy 911-response drones at the 80,000 police and fire stations across the United States.
Read More →
Garmont Tactical Contact Collection: New Duty Boots for Law Enforcement
Choosing the right duty boot can make a significant difference during long shifts. In this video overview, Kyle Ferdyn, of Garmont Tactical, introduces the new Contact Collection, designed specifically for law enforcement professionals seeking comfort, traction, and durability.
Read More →
Benchmade Launches Taiga Green Bailout
Benchmade has launched its Taiga Green Bailout, which features an anodized aluminum handle, S90V stainless steel, and Burnt Copper hardware accents.
Read More →
Adept Armor Launches the Nova Titanium Combat Helmet: A Metal Ballistic Helmet at Composite-Helmet Weight
Adept Armor said its new Nova Titanium combat helmet delivers rated 9mm protection at 920 grams all-in, low backface deformation, edge-to-edge coverage, and an indefinite shelf life at roughly a quarter the price of premium polyethylene helmets.
Read More →
5.11 Expands Professional Services Line with Premium, Performance-Driven Scrubs Designed for Healthcare Professionals
The launch of high-performance medical scrubs marks another major expansion of 5.11’s growing Professional Services category, enabling hospitals and healthcare systems to outfit a wide range of roles.
Read More →
SOG Knives Unveils 250th Anniversary Limited Edition Fixed Blade
SOG Knives has debuted its 250th Anniversary Limited Edition SEAL FX Fixed Blade, and only 250 are available. It features an advanced 4.3-inch S35VN steel blade and a tough glass-reinforced nylon handle.
Read More →