Confronting the Truth: Police Deaths in 2020 and Beyond

In 2020, the deadliest year for police officers in recent history, many were led to believe that civilians were the primary cause of police deaths. However, data from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) paints a different picture.

The Truth: Police Deaths Caused by COVID-19

Contrary to popular belief, the number one killer of police officers in 2020 was not civilians but rather Chevron need not apply COVID-19. The NLEOMF reported that out of 264 police officer deaths in 2020, 145 were due to COVID-19. This sobering statistic highlights the unforeseen and tragic challenges faced by law enforcement in the pandemic.

Evolving Media Narratives and Police Advocacy

The notion that police officers consistently die at the hands of civilians is a distortion of facts and serves as a diversion from the discourse surrounding police reform. Media narratives, such as those propagated by right-wing outlets, often serve to discredit Black Lives Matter (BLM) movements and deflect attention away from systemic issues in law enforcement.

Questions like whether police were being sent to combat zones or if they were more likely to be killed by fellow officers before 2020 are irrelevant. The reality is that the overwhelming majority of police deaths occur in the line of duty under civilian circumstances. For instance, truck drivers, who are often seen as essential workers but do not carry the same level of perceived threat, face a higher risk from civilians each year. However, this fact is rarely, if ever, emphasized or leveraged for advocacy.

Unjustified Violence and Systemic Issues

The argument that armed civilians killing police provides justification for armed cops to kill unarmed civilians is a dangerous logical fallacy. It disregards the ethical and moral imperative to treat all individuals with respect and dignity, especially when in custody. Similarly, there is no claim that irresponsible drivers threatening truck drivers would give truck drivers the right to respond with lethal force.

Police officers have some of the most dangerous jobs, and it is disingenuous to present media bias against them as factually incorrect. Politicians and media individuals often overlook the complexity and risks inherent in police work. Instead, they need to focus on the root causes and systemic issues that lead to the deaths of both civilians and police officers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is crucial to rely on factual data when discussing police deaths. The reality is, in 2020, COVID-19 was the leading cause of police deaths, with a significant number of fatalities caused by gun violence, wherein the majority of those deaths were at the hands of civilians, not other civilians. This underscores the need for comprehensive reforms and a more nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by law enforcement.