Understanding Firearms Assaults Against Law Enforcement Officers in the United States

This publication attempts to answer important questions regarding firearm assaults against law enforcement officers. Initially prepared as a framework for discussion in the 2014 Officer Safety and Wellness (OSW) Group roundtable dedicated to identifying best practices for reducing firearm assaults and ambushes, this publication reviews the group's findings on law enforcement policies, procedures, training, and agency characteristics that can reduce officer deaths and injuries. It is divided into three sections: the meeting's findings and recommendations, a review of 50 years of literature written about situational factors that could lead to assaults, and data identified through a current study.

---

Author: Joseph B. Kuhns, Diana Dolliver, Emily Bent, and Edward R. Maguire

Federal Sponsor Agency: COPS

Provider: IACP, Major Cities Chiefs Association

Publication Date: 2016