In 2025, the number of U.S. law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty fell to 111, marking the lowest level since 1943, when 94 officers were killed. This represents a significant decrease from the 148 officer deaths reported in 2024. The decline spans all categories of fatalities, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund’s report released on Tuesday (January 6).
Firearm-related fatalities saw a 15% decrease, dropping from 52 in 2024 to 44 in 2025, the lowest in at least a decade. Traffic-related deaths also decreased by nearly 23%, attributed to increased roadside safety measures such as “move-over” laws and changes in policing tactics, like approaching vehicles from the passenger side during traffic stops. Bill Alexander, the Fund’s CEO, emphasized the importance of these reductions, stating, “Even one officer fatality is too many, and our ultimate goal is to have none.”
The report also highlighted a 37% drop in deaths categorized as “other,” which includes medical emergencies and accidents. This category saw a decrease from 52 to 33 deaths, with 14 officers dying from illnesses related to their response to the September 11 attacks.
Despite the overall decrease in fatalities, the number of officers shot on duty slightly increased from 342 in 2024 to 347 in 2025. The report does not include suicides, though discussions are ongoing about how to honor officers who die by suicide.
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