Police Officer Deaths Decreased by 39% in 2023, but Nonfatal Shootings Remain High

While gunfire was the leading cause of death, claiming 47 lives, a record 378 officers were shot and survived, indicating persisting dangers in the line of duty.

Deaths of police officers in the line of duty decreased by 39% in 2023, with a total of 136 officers losing their lives, compared to 224 in 2022.
Gunfire was the leading cause of death, accounting for 47 lives lost, a 25% decrease from 2022.
Traffic-related fatalities decreased by 27% in 2023 compared to 2022, claiming 37 lives.
COVID-19 related deaths among officers significantly decreased, with only five officers dying from the illness in 2023, compared to 74 in 2022.
While the decrease in officer deaths is a positive trend, concerns remain due to the high number of nonfatal police shootings, with a record 378 officers shot in the line of duty in 2023.