4 facts about America’s police force

The tradition of paying tribute to police officers around this time of year dates back to 1962, when President John F. Kennedy designated May 15 Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which the date falls, National Police Week. In light of the occasion, here are four facts about U.S. law enforcement that you may not be familiar with.

1. There are more than 900,000 police officers serving in the U.S. This is the highest number of officers our country has ever seen. About 12 percent of law enforcement officers are women.

2. Since 1791, when the first police death was recorded, there have been more than 21,000 law enforcement officers killed while on duty. There are currently 21,541 names engraved on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.

3. The 1920s were the deadliest decade in law enforcement history, when a total of 2,480 officers died, an average of almost 248 a year. The deadliest year in U.S. police history was 1930, when 310 officers were killed. During the last 10 years, the average number of police deaths per year dropped to 151.

4. The U.S. has close to 18,000 separate police agencies, each with their own internal structures and regulations. This includes federal agencies, local police, sheriff’s departments and college campus police forces.

Make sure to thank the law enforcement officers in your family and community for their continued service, and take a moment to remember those who sacrificed their lives protecting others.