Characteristics of Line of Duty Death (LODD) Incidents in the U.S., 2010-2015

• In Event: Roundtable: Policing

Abstract

This study examines characteristics of line of duty deaths (LODD) of law enforcement officers for the years 2010-2015. Local (city and county) departments are included. Variables of interest include circumstances of the death, officer-related information, including years of service, prior military service, number of surviving family members, and department characteristics. Data are compiled from incident summaries available from the Officer Down Memorial Page, obituaries, as well as agency data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reports and LEOKA. When a line of duty death occurs, persons having a personal or professional relationship with the deceased, as well as the local community, are potentially affected. Results will be utilized to elaborate the distinction between secondary and tertiary victim categories.

Authors

• Greg S. Weaver, Auburn University

• Jacqueline Amber Scherer, George Mason University

• Melissa Tetzlaff-Bemiller, University of Memphis

• Lin Huff-Corzine, University of Central Florida