In recent years, the safety of law enforcement officers across the United States has been a growing concern. The National Fraternal Order of Police has reported a disturbing increase in the number of officers shot in the line of duty, particularly in ambush-style attacks.
This article sheds light on this alarming trend, its implications, and the efforts being made to address it.
Disturbing Statistics
As of midnight on September 4, 2023, a total of 272 officers have been shot in the line of duty this year alone. This figure represents a 24% increase compared to the same period in 2021 and a staggering 25% increase compared to 2020.
Tragic Loss of Lives
Out of the 272 officers shot, 34 have tragically lost their lives due to gunfire. While this number reflects a 15% decrease compared to 2021, it remains a sobering statistic. Each officer's life lost is a devastating blow to their families and communities.
Ambush-Style Attacks
One of the most concerning aspects of these incidents is the rise in ambush-style attacks on law enforcement officers. This year has seen a staggering 83 such attacks, resulting in 101 officers being shot and 15 losing their lives to gunfire.
Understanding Ambush-Style Attacks
Ambush-style attacks are characterized by their sudden and unexpected nature. In these incidents, officers are struck by gunfire without any warning or opportunity to defend themselves. Such calculated attacks deprive officers of their ability to respond effectively, contributing to the worrisome desensitization to acts of violence against law enforcement.
A Troubling Trend
The concern over ambush-style attacks is not new. In October 2015, the U.S. Department of Justice released a report titled "Ambushes of Police," revealing a concerning trend. The report highlighted that fatal attacks on officers attributable to ambushes were on the rise, raising concerns about targeted violence against police.
“56 percent were not on a call or engaged in any enforcement activity. Many of these officers were simply eating, sitting on post, or in five cases, targeted and killed while at their home or on their way home."
Motivated by a Dangerous Narrative
In May 2017, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released a report called "The Assailant Study: Mindset and Behavior." This report identified a disturbing trend of attackers motivated by a desire to harm law enforcement officers. The report pointed to a narrative that portrays officers as guilty in traditional and social media, with the assailant portrayed as the victim."
Enhancing Officer Safety: Armored Vehicles in the Fight Against Ambush Attacks
In the face of growing threats such as ambushes and active shooters, the safety of law enforcement officers while on duty is of paramount concern. Often, these threats strike when least expected, catching officers off guard and leaving them vulnerable.
One vital solution to this pressing issue is the incorporation of armored vehicles, specifically designed to shield officers from harm during these life-threatening situations.
BallisTech™: Vehicle Armoring Solutions
Dana Safety Supply, your trusted partner, presents BallisTech™ - a comprehensive Vehicle Armoring Solution meticulously crafted to safeguard officers in their patrol cars. For over fifty years, soft body armor has been the protective standard for officers. Many officers conscientiously don this armor before embarking on their duties, recognizing the critical importance of its protection. However, not all officers choose to wear such vests, often due to issues like weight and improper fit.
With BallisTech™, we bridge this crucial gap in officer safety. Whether officers are responding to a call or sitting alone in a dimly lit parking lot, our Vehicle Armoring Solutions remain steadfast, offering invisible yet effective protection. It ensures officers are shielded when they anticipate danger, but more crucially, when they least expect it.
The Innovative Features of BallisTech™
1. Invisible Protection
Our level IIIA ballistic glass requires minimal vehicle modification and blends seamlessly with OEM glass. It functions just like regular glass, allowing the side windows to roll up and down. However, it boasts a remarkable difference - it provides ballistic protection, ensuring officers remain safe from potential threats.
2. Bullet Resistant Door Panels
Combined with Ballistic Glass, our Level IIIA interior door panels transform your car door into a formidable shield. In most cases, this shield offers significantly more coverage than those used for tactical entries, allowing officers to utilize their doors for cover.
3. Return Fire, One-Way Glass
Our bullet-resistant, one-way side glass not only protects officers from level IIIA threats but also enables them to return fire when necessary. The advanced design prevents penetrations from outside the vehicle while permitting officers to defend themselves from within.
4. On-Duty Peace of Mind
BallisTech™ Packages provide officers with invaluable peace of mind, ensuring they are continuously protected. This assurance enables them to carry out their duties with unwavering confidence.
Explore Your Vehicle Armoring Options
We offer a range of Level IIIA armoring options tailored to your needs:
Windshields: Our two-way ballistic performance windshields require minimal vehicle modification and offer excellent coverage from ballistic threats from the front. Once installed, they are virtually indistinguishable from OEM glass, making them suitable for many police package vehicles.
One-Way Glass Side Glass: These one-way (return fire capable) side glasses function like OEM glass, allowing users to raise and lower the window while offering protection from ballistic threats from the side. They can also be used as shields (door panels recommended). Minimal vehicle modification is required, and they can be moved from one unit to another if needed.
Door Panels: Bullet-resistant door panels complete the package, allowing users to utilize the car door as a level IIIA shield. Thin and lightweight, these door panels require no vehicle modification and can be easily transferred between units.
The security and well-being of our dedicated law enforcement officers take precedence, the incorporation of cutting-edge technology, such as armored vehicles, offers a profound sense of reassurance. These technological innovations transcend mere convenience; they are, quite literally, the line between life and death.
By bolstering our officers with the protection they rightfully deserve, we can dramatically diminish the inherent risks they confront while wholeheartedly safeguarding our communities. As we gaze ahead, it becomes our shared duty to ensure that these state-of-the-art advancements continue to progress, serving as an unwavering shield, ultimately preserving lives and ensuring the safe return of our officers following each and every duty.
