2013 saw fewest police deaths by firearms since nineteenth century

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A new report finds that the number of law enforcement officers killed by firearms in 2013 fell to levels not seen since 1887. The annual report released Monday by the nonprofit National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund also found that deaths in the line of duty generally fell by 8 percent and were the fewest since 1959. According to the report, 111 federal, state, local, tribal and territorial officers were killed in the line of duty nationwide this past year, compared with 121 in 2012. Forty-six officers were killed in traffic-related accidents, and 33 were killed by firearms. The number of firearms deaths fell 33 percent in 2013. The report credits an increased culture of safety among law-enforcement agencies. Published: Thu, Jan 2, 2014