Police Officer Deaths Hit Record High in 2021

The number of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty hit a record high in 2021, catalyzing challenges within police departments already dealing with staffing shortages, COVID-19 and surging crime rates.

According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, more police officers have died in 2021 than any other year on record. The latest death occurred on Thursday in Baltimore, per Just the News.

Between 358 and 477 officers were killed in 2021. Using preliminary data, fire-arms related deaths are up 31 percent and traffic-related deaths are up 30 percent compared to 2020.

More than 320 officers died from COVID-19, accounting for 67 percent of deaths.

FBI data shows 70 officers were feloniously killed, a more than 50 percent increase in just one year. “Ambush style attacks” were up 126 percent at the beginning of December compared to the previous year, according to the Fraternal Order of Police.