Department of Justice Releases Report on Understanding Firearms Assaults Against Law Enforcement

The Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) today announced the release of a new publication addressing officer safety.

Understanding Firearms Assaults against Law Enforcement Officers, produced by the Justice Department’s Officer Safety and Wellness Group, addresses two primary safety concerns in law enforcement, injuries and deaths among officers and premeditated and unprovoked ambushes of officers.  It examines the differential risks thought to influence the use of deadly force against police officers in the United States through a literature review and survey analysis.

This publication is a joint COPS Office, Bureau of Justice Assistance and Major Cities Chiefs Association publication, and was informed with input from the Justice Department’s Officer Safety and Wellness Group.

“Every day, law enforcement officers courageously serve this nation by protecting our values and keeping our communities safe,” said Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch.  “This report will serve as a critical resource as we honor their service and sacrifice and take the necessary steps to improve officer safety.”

The Department of Justice established the Officer Safety and Wellness Group in 2011 to encourage the adoption of cultures of safety and wellness among the nation’s law enforcement agencies.  The working group includes more than 40 participants representing federal, state and local law enforcement; national associations; unions; and researchers who discuss and develop the research.

The COPS Office is a federal agency responsible for advancing community policing nationwide.  Since 1995, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 127,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance.  For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit www.cops.usdoj.gov.