Significant Drop in U.S. Law Enforcement Officer Fatalities in 2025

Thu Jan 08 2026 01:16:39 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund reports a nearly 25% reduction in on-duty officer deaths in 2025, highlighting improved safety protocols and legislation.

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund revealed in its annual report that on-duty officer fatalities in the U.S. decreased by about 25% in 2025, with a total of 111 deaths compared to 148 in 2024. Firearm-related fatalities dropped to the lowest level in a decade, and traffic-related deaths also saw a significant decline. Experts attribute these changes to enhanced safety regulations and public awareness regarding officer safety. However, incidents where officers were shot while on duty increased slightly, prompting ongoing discussions about the need for further protective measures.

In a promising development for the safety of law enforcement personnel, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund reported that deaths of on-duty officers in the U.S. decreased by nearly 25% in 2025. According to their annual report shared with The Associated Press, this decline reflects a significant drop in all categories of fatalities, moving from 148 total deaths in 2024 to 111 in the past year.

Among the reported fatalities, deaths by firearm dropped to 44, marking a 15% decrease from 52 in 2024 and the lowest figure recorded in over a decade. Bill Alexander, CEO of the Fund, expressed optimism over this trend, stating, I always like to see that firearm deaths are down. They are the tip of the spear for egregious acts. Traffic-related fatalities also saw a nearly 23% reduction, which included deaths from traffic accidents as well as officers who were struck by vehicles during duty.

Alexander noted that while every officer fatality is too many, the organization is encouraged by the decrease in numbers and the positive direction it indicates. He also highlighted the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance officer safety, particularly on the road. With the rising awareness surrounding officer safety, many states have recently enacted laws mandating drivers to change lanes to respect traffic stops more effectively.

Despite the overall decline in fatalities, it is important to note that there was a slight increase in the number of officers shot while on duty, rising from 342 in 2024 to 347 in 2025. The Fund's report showed no on-duty officer fatalities in 17 states and in Washington D.C., as well as no fatalities reported within federal and tribal law enforcement agencies.

The report also highlighted a 37% reduction in fatalities classified under 'other’ categories, including those dying from medical issues while on duty. However, the resilience of law enforcement continues to face challenges, and the Fund aims to further address the complexities of officer fatalities, including discussions regarding suicides among officers.

As these statistics illustrate a shift towards increased officer safety, ongoing dialogues around more comprehensive protective measures remain vital in ensuring the continued wellbeing of law enforcement personnel.