How many police officers are there in the U.S.? In 2023, there were 720,652 full-time law enforcement officers employed in the United States, an increase from 708,001 the previous year. Within the provided time period, the number of full-time law enforcement officers was lowest in 2013, with 626,942 officers. Employment in law enforcement According to the source, law enforcement officers are defined as those individuals who regularly carry a firearm and an official badge on their person, have full powers of arrest, and whose salaries are paid from federal funds set aside specifically for sworn law enforcement. Law enforcement, particularly when it comes to officers, is a male-dominated field. Law enforcement employees can either be officers or civilians, and federal law enforcement agencies cover a wide area of jurisdictions -- from the National Park Service to the FBI.
Police in the United States The police in the United States have come under fire over the past few years for accusations of use of unnecessary force and for the number of people who are shot to death by police in the U.S. Police officers in the United States are regularly armed, and in comparison, 19 countries, including Iceland, New Zealand, and Ireland, do not regularly arm their police forces.

As of 2020, the average number of full-time-equivalent sworn officers in local police departments in the United States was highest when there was ***** or fewer residents served, followed by ********* or more residents.

Content

Police Residence

This folder contains data behind the story Most Police Don’t Live In The Cities They Serve.

Includes the cities with the 75 largest police forces, with the exception of Honolulu for which data is not available. All calculations are based on data from the U.S. Census.

The Census Bureau numbers are potentially going to differ from other counts for three reasons:

1. The census category for police officers also includes sheriffs, transit police and others who might not be under the same jurisdiction as a city’s police department proper. The census category won’t include private security officers.
2. The census data is estimated from 2006 to 2010; police forces may have changed in size since then.
3. There is always a margin of error in census numbers; they are estimates, not complete counts.

How to read police-locals.csv

Note: When a cell contains ** it means that there are fewer than 100 police officers of that race serving that city.

Context

This is a dataset from FiveThirtyEight hosted on their GitHub. Explore FiveThirtyEight data using Kaggle and all of the data sources available through the FiveThirtyEight organization page!

• Update Frequency: This dataset is updated daily.

Acknowledgements

This dataset is maintained using GitHub's API and Kaggle's API.

This dataset is distributed under the Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license.

In 2020, there was the full-time equivalent of ****** state and local police officers in the state of California. In that same year, there were ****** state and local police officers in the state of New York.

These data on 19th- and early 20th-century police department and arrest behavior were collected between 1975 and 1978 for a study of police and crime in the United States. Raw and aggregated time-series data are presented in Parts 1 and 3 on 23 American cities for most years during the period 1860-1920. The data were drawn from annual reports of police departments found in the Library of Congress or in newspapers and legislative reports located elsewhere. Variables in Part 1, for which the city is the unit of analysis, include arrests for drunkenness, conditional offenses and homicides, persons dismissed or held, police personnel, and population. Part 3 aggregates the data by year and reports some of these variables on a per capita basis, using a linear interpolation from the last decennial census to estimate population. Part 2 contains data for 267 United States cities for the period 1880-1890 and was generated from the 1880 federal census volume, REPORT ON THE DEFECTIVE, DEPENDENT, AND DELINQUENT CLASSES, published in 1888, and from the 1890 federal census volume, SOCIAL STATISTICS OF CITIES. Information includes police personnel and expenditures, arrests, persons held overnight, trains entering town, and population.

In 2023, 59.9 percent of full-time civilian law enforcement employees in the United States were female. Only 13.8 percent of full-time law enforcement officers were female, while 86.2 percent of law enforcement officers were male. The gender divide Law enforcement in the United States is an indisputably male-dominated profession, particularly in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). However, research has shown that female officers can have a positive impact on communities and the overall performance of a law enforcement department. For example, female officers are less likely to have to face allegations of excessive force and can reduce the use of force among other officers in the department. Law enforcement in the U.S. The number of law enforcement officers in the United States has fluctuated over the years and, and hit a low in 2013. Despite the violent crime rate in the U.S. being much lower than its high point in the 1990s, the majority of Americans report being dissatisfied with national crime control and reduction policies.

This dataset was retrieved from the U.S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation Criminal Justice Information Services Division website on February 29, 2008. "This table provides the total number of state law enforcement employees, the total number of male officers, the total number of female officers, the total number of male civilian employees, and the total number of female civilian employees". Values for individual agencies were aggregated for each state. Estimated population was added for each state for 2006 that appeared on Table 5 of the data from 2006. "The FBI collects these data through the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program". Please see the Data Declaration for further information on the data set. Values of -1 represent no value.

This research builds on three decades of effort to produce national estimates of the amount and rate of force used by law enforcement officers in the United States. Prior efforts to produce national estimates have suffered from poor and inconsistent measurements of force, small and unrepresentative samples, low survey and/or item response rates, and disparate reporting of rates of force. The present study employs data from a nationally representative survey of state and local law enforcement agencies that has a high survey response rate as well as a relatively high rate of reporting uses of force. Using data on arrests for violent offenses and the number of sworn officers to impute missing data on uses of force, we estimate a total of 337,590 use of physical force incidents among State and local law enforcement agencies during 2012 with a 95 percent confidence interval of +/- 10,470 incidents or +/- 3.1 percent. This article reports the extent to which the number and rate of force incidents vary by the type and size of law enforcement agencies. Our findings demonstrate the willingness of a large proportion of law enforcement agencies to voluntarily report the amount of force used by their officers and the relative strengths and weaknesses of the Law Enforcement Management and Administrative Statistics (LEMAS) program to produce nationally representative information about police behavior.

Graph and download economic data for Employed full time: Wage and salary workers: Police and sheriff's patrol officers occupations: 16 years and over: Men (LEU0254598700A) from 2000 to 2019 about police, occupation, males, full-time, salaries, workers, 16 years +, wages, employment, and USA.

In 2023, there were ******* full-time law enforcement employees in California, the most out of any state in the United States.

As of September 30, there were ** law enforcement officers killed in the United States in 2024. Within the provided time period, the highest number of law enforcement officers killed in the United States was reported in 2021, at ** officers.

Yearly average City, Transit, and Housing uniform headcount updated yearly with the Mayor's Message.

Snapshot img

Law Enforcement Software Market Size 2025-2029

The law enforcement software market size is forecast to increase by US $1.78 billion, at a CAGR of 11.8% between 2024 and 2029. The market is a dynamic and continually evolving landscape, with various sectors increasingly relying on technology to enhance their operations.

Major Market Trends & Insights

North America dominated the market and accounted for a 36% growth during the forecast period.
The market is expected to grow significantly in Europe Region as well over the forecast period.
By the Deployment, the On premises sub-segment was valued at US $817.70 billion in 2023
By the Type, the Software sub-segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2023

Market Size & Forecast

Market Opportunities: US $199.42 billion
Future Opportunities: US $1.78 billion 
CAGR : 11.8%
North America: Largest market in 2023



This market encompasses a range of applications, from use in criminal investigations and case management to communication and community policing through social media. One notable trend is the growing importance of social media in law enforcement. Agencies are increasingly utilizing social media platforms to gather intelligence, engage with the public, and respond to emergencies. This shift is driven by the vast amount of information available on these platforms and the potential for real-time engagement and communication.
Another significant factor influencing the market is the high implementation and maintenance costs. These costs can include expenses related to hardware, software, training, and ongoing support. Despite these costs, the benefits of using advanced technology in law enforcement are substantial, including improved efficiency, enhanced data analysis capabilities, and increased public safety. The implementation and use of law enforcement software are not without challenges, however. Agencies must ensure the security and privacy of sensitive data, as well as address issues related to data accuracy and interoperability between different systems. Additionally, there is a need for effective communication and collaboration between different law enforcement agencies and departments to maximize the benefits of these technologies.
In terms of market size, the market is significant, with numerous companies offering a range of solutions. However, specific figures are not provided in this context. The market is expected to continue growing as technology advances and law enforcement agencies increasingly adopt technology to enhance their operations. The ongoing evolution of the market is driven by factors such as the increasing use of social media, the need for effective communication and collaboration, and the growing importance of data analysis and intelligence gathering.

What will be the Size of the Law Enforcement Software Market during the forecast period?

Get Key Insights on Market Forecast (PDF) Request Free Sample

The market encompasses a range of technologies designed to enhance investigative capabilities and improve operational efficiency for law enforcement agencies. According to recent data, the market currently accounts for over 15% of the global public safety software market share. Looking ahead, this sector is anticipated to experience a steady growth rate, with projections indicating a 10% expansion over the next five years. A comparison of key market components reveals that data privacy compliance software holds a significant market presence, with a 25% share in 2021. Meanwhile, text analytics software is poised for substantial growth, projected to capture a 12% market share by 2026.
These figures underscore the importance of data security and analysis in the evolving law enforcement landscape. Additionally, the integration of advanced technologies, such as natural language processing, fingerprint identification, and voice recognition technology, is driving innovation and enhancing the overall effectiveness of law enforcement software solutions. As the market continues to mature and adapt to the needs of law enforcement agencies, the integration of open source intelligence, geospatial intelligence software, and digital evidence processing systems is expected to further expand the capabilities of these solutions.

How is this Law Enforcement Software Industry segmented?

The law enforcement software industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Deployment

  On premises
  Cloud based


Type

  Software
  Services


End-user

  Police departments
  Municipalities
  Others


Soluion Type

  Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD)
  Record Management Systems (RMS)
  Case Management Systems (CMS)
  Jail Management Systems (JMS)
  Digital Policing Software

The rate of fatal police shootings in the United States shows large differences based on ethnicity. Among Black Americans, the rate of fatal police shootings between 2015 and December 2024 stood at 6.1 per million of the population per year, while for white Americans, the rate stood at 2.4 fatal police shootings per million of the population per year. Police brutality in the United States Police brutality is a major issue in the United States, but recently saw a spike in online awareness and protests following the murder of George Floyd, an African American who was killed by a Minneapolis police officer. Just a few months before, Breonna Taylor was fatally shot in her apartment when Louisville police officers forced entry into her apartment. Despite the repeated fatal police shootings across the country, police accountability has not been adequate according to many Americans. A majority of Black Americans thought that police officers were not held accountable for their misconduct, while less than half of White Americans thought the same. Political opinions Not only are there differences in opinion between ethnicities on police brutality, but there are also major differences between political parties. A majority of Democrats in the United States thought that police officers were not held accountable for their misconduct, while a majority of Republicans that they were held accountable. Despite opposing views on police accountability, both Democrats and Republicans agree that police should be required to be trained in nonviolent alternatives to deadly force.

Abstract (en): This project uses data on police use of force reported in the 2012 LEMAS Survey and, in combination with arrest data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program, produces a national estimates of the amount of force used by the state, county, and local general purpose law enforcement agencies during in 2012. See documentation in codebook for ICPSR Study 36164Base Sampling Weight for Each StratumNon-Response Adjustment for StratumFinal Weight for Each Stratum Response Rates: The 2012 LEMAS survey had an 86% response rate. Smallest Geographic Unit: Varied Local police departments and sheriffs’ offices are chosen for the LEMAS Survey using a stratified sample design based on number ofsworn personnel. The original 2013 LEMAS sample included 3,336 state and local law enforcement agencies. It was designed to berepresentative of all general purpose state and local law enforcement agencies in the United States, with separate samples drawn oflocal police departments and sheriffs’ offices. All 50 primary state law enforcement agencies (state police and highway patrol) wereincluded. Agencies serving special jurisdictions (such as schools, airports, or parks), or with special enforcement responsibilities (suchas conservation laws or alcohol laws), were considered out of scope for the survey.See ICPSR Study 36164 Codebook for additional details.BJS has not provided a list of agencies sampled but which did not respond to this survey. web-based survey~~

This statistic shows the number of police personnel per 100,000 residents in Canada and the US from 2003 to 2017. In 2017, there were 187.9 and 206.2 police personnel per 100,000 residents in Canada and the US respectively.

This dataset was retrieved from the U.S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation Criminal Justice Information Services Division website on February 29, 2008. "This table provides the estimated number of offenses and the actual number of offenses reported in the Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA), cities outside metropolitan areas, and nonmetropolitan counties, and the rate (per 100,000 inhabitants) for each grouping, and the estimated population for each state" however to simplify the dataset, I only included the state total and the rate for each state. Data for Puerto Rico was not included. "The FBI collects these data through the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program". Please see the Data Declaration for further information on the data set. Values of -1 represent no value.

Snapshot img

Police And Law Enforcement Equipment Market Size 2025-2029

The police and law enforcement equipment market size is forecast to increase by USD 1.51 billion, at a CAGR of 6.7% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is witnessing significant growth, driven by the increasing prioritization of public place protection in the wake of heightened security concerns.The law enforcement equipment market continues to evolve, driven by the ever-changing needs of various sectors. Mobile data terminals enable officers to access real-time information, enhancing response times and decision-making capabilities. Night vision equipment and thermal imaging cameras expand the scope of investigations, particularly in low-light conditions.
Speed detection devices and radar systems ensure road safety, while DNA analysis tools aid in forensic investigations. Emergency response vehicles are equipped with advanced communication systems and dispatch console systems for efficient coordination. Shot detection systems and taser deployment systems prioritize officer safety. Cybersecurity solutions protect sensitive data, and criminal database systems facilitate effective investigations.

Major Market Trends & Insights

North America dominated the market and accounted for a 41% share in 2023.
The market is expected to grow significantly in Europe region as well over the forecast period.
Based on the End-user, the police segment led the market and was valued at USD 1.74 billion of the global revenue in 2023.
Based on the Product, the lethal and non-lethal weapons segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2023.

Market Size & Forecast

Market Opportunities: USD 3.92 Billion
Future Opportunities: USD 1.51 Billion
CAGR (2024-2029): 6.7%
North America: Largest market in 2023

What will be the Size of the Police And Law Enforcement Equipment Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
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Protective gear, including ballistic vests, shields, and helmets, safeguards officers during high-risk situations. Evidence collection techniques, such as fingerprint scanners and digital forensics tools, ensure accurate and timely collection and analysis of evidence. Remote sensing technology, UAVs/drones, and facial recognition software expand the reach and capabilities of law enforcement agencies. Riot control equipment and surveillance systems deter and respond to civil unrest. Crime prevention strategies, including body-worn cameras, license-plate scanning, and conducted energy weapons (CEWs), promote transparency and accountability. Key communication tools, such as communications/radio systems, enable secure real-time coordination in the field.For instance, a large metropolitan police department implemented a digital evidence management system, resulting in a 30% increase in the number of cases solved. For instance, a large metropolitan police department implemented a digital evidence management system, resulting in a 30% increase in the number of cases solved. Tactical gear and thermal imaging are also increasingly utilized for enhanced operational readiness in low-visibility conditions.

This trend is further fueled by the integration of technology into law enforcement, such as the use of social media for investigative purposes and web real-time communication. However, the market faces challenges due to the lack of infrastructure and resources, which can hinder the adoption and effective implementation of advanced technologies and equipment.

As the demand for enhanced security solutions continues to rise, companies must navigate these challenges to capitalize on the market's potential and provide innovative, cost-effective solutions to meet the evolving needs of law enforcement agencies.

How is this Police And Law Enforcement Equipment Industry segmented?

The police and law enforcement equipment industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

End-user

  Police
  Court
  Law enforcement agencies and others


Product

  Lethal and non-lethal weapons
  Surveillance systems
  Communication systems
  Personal protective equipment and others


Type

  Body armor
  Handguns
  Batons
  Restraints
  Riot shields


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    UK


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  Rest of World (ROW)

By End-user Insights

The global police segment within the broader security technology market is undergoing continuous evolution, driven by the integration of advanced digital technologies into public safety operations. As law enforcement agenc

Sadly, the trend of fatal police shootings in the United States seems to only be increasing, with a total 1,173 civilians having been shot, 248 of whom were Black, as of December 2024. In 2023, there were 1,164 fatal police shootings. Additionally, the rate of fatal police shootings among Black Americans was much higher than that for any other ethnicity, standing at 6.1 fatal shootings per million of the population per year between 2015 and 2024. Police brutality in the U.S. In recent years, particularly since the fatal shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri in 2014, police brutality has become a hot button issue in the United States. The number of homicides committed by police in the United States is often compared to those in countries such as England, where the number is significantly lower. Black Lives Matter The Black Lives Matter Movement, formed in 2013, has been a vocal part of the movement against police brutality in the U.S. by organizing “die-ins”, marches, and demonstrations in response to the killings of black men and women by police. While Black Lives Matter has become a controversial movement within the U.S., it has brought more attention to the number and frequency of police shootings of civilians.

Graph and download economic data for Government current expenditures: State and local: Public order and safety: Police (G160851A027NBEA) from 1959 to 2023 about police, state & local, expenditures, government, GDP, and USA.