U.S. On Duty Police Officer Deaths Increased In 2018

Last year, 55 U.S. police officers were killed by felons in the line of duty while 51 died accidentally, according to new figures released by the FBI. Their average age was 37, with an average tenure of 10 years in law enforcement. 52 of the officers killed by felons were men while three were women.

When it comes to the circumstances behind the incidents in 2018, investigative or enforcement activities accounted for 23 deaths while six officers died during pursuits. 11 died in ambushes while three were killed in arrest situations.