29 Police Recruits Died in Training in Last Decade, Associated Press Reports

At least 29 recruits have died during basic training at law enforcement academies around the country in the last decade, the Associated Press reports.

Most died of exertion, dehydration, heat stroke and other conditions tied to intense exercise — often on the first day of training. Others died several weeks in, sometimes after suffering trauma during boxing or use-of-force drills or collapsing during high-stakes timed runs on hot days.

“Training shouldn't have one death, much less 29," David Jude told the AP, a retired Kentucky State Police academy commander and instructor. “To hear that number, it is shocking."

AP’s investigation shows the deaths have grown at a time when departments are tapping an older and more diverse pool of applicants to address officer shortages. More than two-thirds of the deaths occurred since 2020.