A Message from National President Patrick Yoes

There have been 128 officers shot during the first five months of 2021, 26 of whom were killed by gunfire. There have been 27 ambush-style attacks on law enforcement officers this year, which is a 50% increase compared to this time in 2020. These ambush-style attacks have resulted in 35 officers shot, 10 of whom were killed.

We need your help in increasing public awareness of this disturbing trend that is no doubt driven by anti-police rhetoric. I ask that you, your lodge, and your members share this graphic on your social media platforms to help us raise awareness of the dangers our officers face and to inform the general public of these disturbing trends. We ask that you also share the National FOP’s social media posts, which can be found here: Twitter / Facebook

The following is a breakdown of the data, which shows an increase in the number of officers shot and killed by gunfire as well as the number of ambush-style attacks.

Yearly Comparison:
2021 — Shot: 128; Killed: 26
2020 — Shot: 118; Killed: 23
2019 — Shot: 104; Killed: 23

Shot Percentage Change (YTD):
+9% (2020)
+23% (2019)

Killed Percentage Change (YTD):
+13% (2020)
+13% (2019)

Ambush-Style Attacks:
Number of Ambush-Style Attacks: 27
Officers Shot in Ambush Attacks: 35
Officers Killed in Ambush Attacks: 10
Ambush-Style Attacks Percentage Change (YTD): +50% from 2020 (27 2021; 18  2020)

The National Fraternal Order of Police has been tracking officers shot and killed in the line of duty. In October of 2019, the FOP partnered with the National Blue Alert Network to collect and analyze data on reported shootings of law enforcement officers nationwide. The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), in partnership with the National FOP Legislative Office, published its 2020 Year-End Summary Report Law Enforcement Officers Shot in the Line of Duty. It contains data on law enforcement officers shot in the line of duty, both fatally and non-fatally.

Actively Engaged for a Path Forward

While conversations on police reform continue to happen on Capitol Hill, the FOP remains committed to ensure that the rights of our fellow brothers and sisters in uniform are protected.

We reject any extreme provisions that would end qualified immunity. Qualified immunity is critical to our profession because it protects our ability to make split-second decisions when responding to incidents. There is very little dispute that the current doctrine is working. We believe that there are broad areas of agreement and have built a consensus on issues like data collection, agency accreditation, expanded use of body-worn cameras, and improved training.

The FOP will continue to work in a collaborative way with the Administration, Congress, affected Cabinet agencies, and others to craft criminal justice reform legislation which will make this country a safer and fairer place for all its citizens, and for the law enforcement officers sworn to protect them. While what the final policing reform legislation will look like in Congress remains to be seen, the fact that conversations are still happening means that there is still hope.

National Conference

In just more than two months, the National Fraternal Order of Police will conduct its 65th National Conference and Exposition at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. Hosted by Indianapolis Lodge #86, this event represents 106 years of professional law enforcement experience for the largest and oldest law enforcement labor organization in the United States.

The National Fraternal Order of Police holds a National Conference every two years to set the goals and agenda for the organization. The business of the order is conducted, seminars are offered, Constitution & By-Laws are reviewed and changed, the Executive Board is elected, National Trustees and Committee Chairs report their activities, and exhibitors from around the country showcase their products and services at our EXPO.

For more information, event packages and area attractions, visit: fopindy2021.org