U.S. Law enforcement fatalities in 2013 dropped to their lowest level in six decades, and the number of officers killed in firearm-related deaths this year was the lowest in more than a century.
According to a report by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, 111 officers were killed in the line of duty in 2013—the fewest since 1959, when 110 died. Thirty-three officers were killed in firearms-related incidents. That’s the lowest number since 1887—and a 54 percent drop from two years ago.
In California, 10 officer lost their lives in 2013—the second-highest number of fatalities, behind Texas.
What’s contributed to these dramatic drops in officer fatalities—gun-related and otherwise? Has officer safety become a growing priority for law enforcement agencies?
Guest:
Craig W. Floyd, CEO, National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund