Police Fatalities Move Downward In 2008

Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Two law enforcement groups say the number of police officers killed in the line of duty is down this year thanks to greater use of bullet-resistant vests and stun guns.

There were 140 officers killed in the line of duty this year, including four in Oklahoma.

The four are Oklahoma City police Sgt. Robert Douglas; Latimer County deputy Dustin Duncan; Chickasaw Lighthorse special agent Robert Flickinger and Kiefer police Sgt. Les Wilmott.

Related story: 5/29/2008  Police Officer Killed In Traffic Accident

In 2007 there were 181 police officer deaths nationwide.

The figures covered deaths through Sunday and are reported by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and Concerns of Police Survivors.

The report says 41 officers were killed by gunfire this year compared to 68 last year. And 71 were killed in traffic-related incidents which is down from 83 in 2007.

This is the 11th straight year more officers were killed in traffic incidents than from any other cause.