Mortality among law enforcement officers in the United States: a population-wide analysis of the National Occupational Mortality Surveillance data, 2020-2023.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Law enforcement officers (LEOs) face unique occupational hazards that can influence both timing and causes of death. Our objective was to deliver the most comprehensive, population-based portrait of mortality among LEOS in the U.S.-capturing when, why, and among whom deaths occur. By integrating multiple national data sources, we provide a detailed account of mortality patterns that can inform prevention efforts and guide policy.

Methods

Using the National Occupational Mortality Surveillance (NOMS) data for 2020-2023, we estimated all-cause and cause-specific mortality rates by sex for individuals whose usual occupation was law enforcement.

Findings

The study population comprised ∼2.5 million working-age decedents (ages 16-64), including 15,384 LEOs. LEO de

SUBMITTER: Tanksley PT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12549791 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature