States with the Most Overworked Officers

All findings are based off of 2014 FBI crime statistics, Census data, and analysis by the SafeWise team. While there are a lot factors that impact crime rates—police tactics, poverty levels, population density, demographics, etc.—this map is here to demonstrate the hefty workload American police officers have on their plates each year.

Staff Writer・Editorial

Read Staff's Posts

November 9, 2016

2 min to read

Police officers have a serious job to do—keep society safe by enforcing our laws. However, most states only have one to three police officers per 1,000 civilians. This got us thinking about which states have the least amount of police officers per capita, the most crimes per officer, and therefore, the busiest policemen and women.

Below, you’ll find the 10 busiest states for officers when it comes to handling a large load of both violent and property crimes. All findings are based off of 2014 FBI crime statistics, Census data, and analysis by the SafeWise team. While there are a lot factors that impact crime rates—police tactics, poverty levels, population density, demographics, etc.—this map is here to demonstrate the hefty workload American police officers have on their plates each year.

1. MICHIGAN

2. NEVADA

3. IDAHO

4. KENTUCKY

5. ARKANSAS

6. SOUTH DAKOTA

7. MISSISSIPPI

8. WYOMING

9. NORTH CAROLINA

10. INDIANA

11. DELAWARE

12. NEW HAMPSHIRE

13. CONNECTICUT

14. SOUTH CAROLINA

15. OHIO

16. ILLINOIS

17. LOUISIANA

18. RHODE ISLAND

19. OKLAHOMA

20. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

21. HAWAII

22. UTAH

23. COLORADO

24. CALIFORNIA

25. ALABAMA

26. TEXAS

27. OREGON

28. MISSOURI

29. WISCONSIN

30. TENNESSEE

31. NEW MEXICO

32. MINNESOTA

33. MONTANA

34. NEW YORK

35. ARIZONA

36. KANSAS

37. PENNSYLVANIA

38. GEORGIA

39. IOWA

40. NORTH DAKOTA

41. WASHINGTON

42. ALASKA

43. NEW JERSEY

44. FLORIDA

45. MAINE

46. VIRGINIA

47. VERMONT

48. MASSACHUSETTS

49. NEBRASKA

50. MARYLAND

* This study did not include West Virginia because of insufficient statistics

For details go to Safewise.com.

Topics:Patrol

More Patrol

Patrol•May 14, 2026

363 Fallen Officers Honored During National Police Week

In case you missed NELOMF’s annual Candlelight Vigil, here are all 363 names of the fallen officers whose names were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year.

Graphic honoring New York City Police Department officers as “Officer of the Month” for March 2026. The image features portraits of Chief Aaron Edwards and Sergeant Luis Navarro alongside department and recognition text.

Patrol•May 14, 2026

NYPD Officers Who Responded Quickly During IED Incident Recognized as NLEOMF Officers of the Month

Chief Aaron Edwards and Sgt. Luis Navarro were recognized by NLEOMF as Officers of the Month for their response during an IED incident and their actions that helped prevent harm to the public.

Infographic summarizing results from a national survey on policing reputation. Ten key findings cover public trust, communication, demographics, media influence, local policing, AI concerns, and emergency response, using charts, icons, and statistics throughout.

Patrol•May 14, 2026

National Police Survey Reveals How Americans View Policing Today

A new national survey offers a comprehensive look at how Americans view policing. The study uncovers public sentiment toward local vs. federal police, communications, crisis response, the use of AI in policing, and more.

Patrol•May 14, 2026

Streamlight TLR-7 X Selected as Standard Issue Pistol Light by Canadian Federal Police

The Canadian Federal Police will be adding a new duty pistol system, which will include Streamlight’s TLR-7 X and a Glock 45 MOS 7 pistol with a red dot sight.

poeple dressed in dark clothing holding candles during a candlelight vigil.

Patrol•May 8, 2026

Fallen Law Enforcement Officers from Across the Country to be Honored During 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13th in Washington, D.C.

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) will honor 363 fallen officers who have died in the line of duty as their names are added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during the annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13.

Patrol•by Wayne Parham•May 1, 2026

What Should Be in Your IFAK?

What should every officer include in an IFAK? Sydney Vail, M.D., a veteran trauma surgeon and former SWAT surgeon, explains which components are needed and which are not, and stresses training.

flashlight turn un and submerged in puddle with rain falling.

Patrol•April 30, 2026

Olight Releases 2 New Baton Variants & the ArkPro Ultra Onyx Black

Olight has added two new lights to the Baton Series, the Baton 4 and the Baton Ultra. One new Baton features up to 1,600 lumens on turbo, and the other 1,800.

Patrol•April 30, 2026

Team Wendy Reveals New RECON Tactical Bump Helmet

Team Wendy’s new RECON Tactical bump helmet is configurable by color, retention, and accessories for rescue, tactical, and military mission needs. It features Zorbium foam pads, shell vents, and lattice cooling pads that balance impact absorption, airflow, and long-wear support.

Patrol•April 30, 2026

Garmont Tactical Introduces the T8 Specter LE Zip for LE Professionals

Garmont Tactical has a new 8-inch duty boot with a side zipper, the T8 Specter LE Zip. The boot is available now and features ankle support in a standard duty profile with polishable leather.

Patrol•April 30, 2026

Streamlight Launches LiteBox 1Million & Portable Scene Light III

Streamlight has launched the Portable Scene Light III (PSL III), which delivers up to 10,000 lumens, and the LiteBox 1Million, a one-million-candela long-range search light.

View All →