Alexandria, VA– Violence against police officers in the United States is on the rise. The statistics prove it. From traffic stops to ambush attacks, police officers around the country are facing even greater threats from criminals and anti-cop anarchists every day. Just take a look at these three violence against police officers statistics that are startling in the United States.
Statistics: Violence Against Police Officers
135 officers died in the line of duty in 2016
By the end of the year 2015, 86 police officers were killed in the line of duty. These deaths encompass all line-of-duty deaths including traffic accidents and rescue-related deaths. By the end of 2016, that number rose to 135 killed in the line-of-duty, an increase of 36% from 2015. This should make it abundantly clear: our police officers are facing greater and greater dangers on the job.
Police deaths by criminal gunfire is increasing significantly
In 2015, 41 police officers were killed by criminal gunfire. In 2016, that number rose to 64 officers killed, a rise of 53%. Criminal activity has been on the rise in the United States for years and if these numbers are any indication, criminals are getting bolder and more dangerous. Our police officers know this better than anyone else. A 53% rise in police killed by gunfire should alarm all of us.
Ambush attacks on police officers up 62% in 2016
This is the statistic that really proves that police officers are being systematically targeted. In 2015, eight police officers were killed in ambush-style attacks which accounted for just under 20% of police officer deaths that year. In 2016, the number of officers killed in ambush attacks was 21, a rise of 62% from the previous year! The rise in ambush-style attacks further proves that anti-police sentiment across the United States is on the rise, making officers’ jobs even more dangerous than they already are.
The rise in violence against police officers is exactly why the National Police Support Fund is dedicated to supporting all American police officers by combating anti-police movements that incite violence against law enforcement. We are movement of Americans from all walks of life who are united in their support for America’s police officers. We encourage you to join our movement today and help us support our brave police officers.
