U.S. Law Enforcement Officer Deaths Decline Significantly in 2025

Thu Jan 08 2026 01:12:40 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A recent report shows a nearly 25% decrease in deaths of on-duty law enforcement officers in the U.S. in 2025, marking a positive trend in officer safety.

According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund's latest report, fatalities among on-duty law enforcement officers in the U.S. fell by nearly 25% in 2025. The total number of officer deaths dropped from 148 in 2024 to 111 in 2025, with significant declines in firearm and traffic-related fatalities. This news is viewed positively by advocates for officer safety, though concerns remain about ongoing instances of gunfire against officers.

Deaths of on-duty law enforcement officers in the U.S. decreased by nearly 25% in 2025, according to an annual report.

The report from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund shows a drop in all categories of fatalities, from 148 total deaths in 2024 to 111 last year.

Officer firearm fatalities dropped to 44, marking a 15% decrease from 52 in 2024 and the lowest recorded in over a decade.

“I always like to see that firearm deaths are down. They are the tip of the spear for egregious acts,” said Bill Alexander, CEO of the Fund, which aims to support the mission of remembering fallen officers and enhancing policing safety.

Traffic-related fatalities also saw a nearly 23% decline, which includes deaths from traffic accidents or officers being struck while conducting traffic stops.

“Even one officer fatality is too many, and our ultimate goal is to have none. But we’re heartened by any decrease in those numbers,” Alexander remarked.

Alexander attributed the reduction in traffic-related officer deaths to an increase in public awareness about officer safety and legislative changes in several states regarding traffic stop protocols.

While the overall fatalities have fallen, the report noted a slight uptick in the number of officers shot while on duty, increasing from 342 incidents in 2024 to 347 in 2025. High-profile cases of officer casualties continue to draw attention, highlighting the ongoing dangers law enforcement faces, despite overall improvements in safety statistics.

The National Fraternal Order of Police also tracks the rate of shootings against officers, indicating that while fatalities have decreased, the number of shooting incidents remains a concern.

The report showcased a 37% decrease in other fatality categories, such as those due to medical issues or non-shooting incidents, affirming a positive trajectory towards officer safety and wellness.

It remains vital for law enforcement agencies to continue evolving safety measures and public engagement to further reduce risks faced by officers in the line of duty.