Police officer deaths drop dramatically in 2012 thus far

steve lyon/Flickr Creative Commons

Police fatalities are down nationwide so far in 2012.

According to data from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, 2012 could be the safest year for police officers in six decades. 

So far in 2012, 52 officers have died in the line of duty, down 45 percent from last year. Firearms related deaths are down 53 percent.

According to 2010 data, police officers, like many other workers, are most likely to die in traffic accidents while working. Fishers, loggers, and aircraft operators have the highest fatality rates. When car accidents are included, law enforcement comes in tenth in fatality rates.