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.

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.

Use of force is a sometimes necessary, yet often controversial, police power. Attempts to understand and explore police use of force have often been hampered by a lack of data, both nationally and internationally, with much research reliant on a very small number of datasets, often in the United States of America. This new data, collected by police forces in England and Wales and collated and published by the Home Office, represents an exciting new resource.

According to the Home Office, 'these statistics cover incidents where police officers have used force and includes: the tactics used, the reason for force, the outcome, any injuries (to the officers and or the subject) and subject information (age, gender, ethnicity and disability, as perceived by the reporting officer). From April 2017, all police forces in the UK have been required to record this data. The use of force data collection is intended to hold police forces to account and to provide the public with greater information on the different types of force used and the context in which this occurs' https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/police-use-of-force-statistics.

This project (ES/N016564/1, Less Lethal Force in Law Enforcement) involved, in part, working with various stakeholders to help advise on the creation and maintenance of a new template form for police officers to record their use of force, which in turn has resulted in the collection of new use of force data.

A subset of this information, which is generated by the police and published by the Home Office, is routinely made publicly available and this record has been set up to help signpost researchers towards this resource.

Further details about the broader ESRC funded project is below:

Use of force by law enforcement officials, including police and correctional officers, is a highly important issue. Yet whilst the situations in which these officials use firearms, and the effects of this use, are relatively well documented and understood, this is not the case with 'less lethal' weapons and 'less lethal' force. At least three key topics around less lethal weapons remain under-researched, and this project will tackle all three directly. First we lack a basic understanding of when, why, on whom, and how often, less lethal weapons are used - and whether certain groups of people (those of a particular gender, ethnic minority, mental health status or geographical origin) are more or less likely to have less lethal force used on them. This project will see the PI work closely with the National Police Chief's Council, the Home Office and UK police forces, utilizing datasets previously unavailable to academic researchers to answer such questions. Such issues are also relevant internationally, as shown by recent debates on police less lethal force in countries as varied as Armenia, Hungary and New Zealand.

Second, whilst these weapons are associated with saving lives, they have also been associated with serious injuries and fatalities. In the UK alone, several high profile deaths-including that of Ian Tomlinson and Jordan Begley-have occurred following police use of less lethal weapons. There are key questions around how so called less lethal force can impact the right to life, and their association with fatalities worldwide. Building on my PhD work focusing on injuries associated with Taser, this project will see the PI work with the UN Special Rapporteur to research the impact less lethal force has on the right to life in the UK and globally.

Third, if it is important to attend to the situations in which force is used, it is also important to look at how such force is monitored and governed. This requires working with police and government to help understand what data on less lethal force should be gathered and analyzed, and working with the independent oversight bodies that monitor places of detention (including police custody) to ensure that they have the necessary research to enable them to document the LLF used by state authorities. The UN Subcommittee for the Prevention of Torture has highlighted the need for research to assist them in addressing and monitoring less lethal weapons and other physical infrastructure found in places of detention. The PI will work with key decision makers on these issues; with the UK government on reporting, and with oversight bodies via the SPT and its network of over 40 national bodies.

The circumstances surrounding "justifiable homicides" by police are the focus of this data collection, which examines occurrences in 57 United States cities during the period 1970-1979. Homicides by on- and off-duty police officers serving communities of 250,000 or more were studied. Data were collected through a survey questionnaire sent to police executives of the 57 cities. The Federal Bureau of Investigation supplied data on justifiable homicides by police, including age, sex, and race data. The variables include number of sworn officers, number of supervisory officers, average years of education, department regulations about issues such as off-duty employment, uniforms, carrying firearms, and disciplinary actions, in-service training, pre-service training, firearms practice, assignments without firearms, on-duty deaths, and off-duty deaths. The study was funded by a grant from the National Institute of Justice to the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

The study examined how law enforcement agencies (LEAs) manage the use of force by officers. It was conducted to produce practical information that can help LEAs establish guidelines that assist in the effective design of Conducted Energy Device (CED) deployment programs that support increased safety for officers and citizens. The study used a quasi-experimental design to compare seven LEAs with CED deployment to a set of six matched LEAs that did not deploy CEDs on a variety of safety outcomes. From 2006-2008, data were collected on the details of every use of force incident during a specified time period (1992-2007), as well as demographic and crime statistics for each site. For the agencies that deployed CEDs, at least two years of data on use of force incidents were collected for the period before CED deployment and at least two years of data for the period after CED deployment. For the agencies that did not deploy CEDs, at least four years of data were collected over a similar period.

In 2016, about 91 percent of all local police departments in the United States authorized the use of pepper spray. On the other hand, less than 10 percent of all local police departments authorized the use of explosives.

Data and R code to replicate the findings reported in the publication: Lethal Force in Black and White: Assessing Racial Disparities in the Circumstances of Police Killings. See README file for details.

In 2019, an average of one person was killed every three days due to the use of lethal force by police in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. That year, the number of deaths in the province totaled 134, an increase of 21.8 percent in comparison to 2016.

This statistic shows the percentage of local police departments in the United States in 2013 that have authorized non-lethal weapons, by weapon type. in 2013, 94 percent of local police departments had authorized the use of pepper spray.

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Police and Law Enforcement Equipment Market Size 2024-2028

The police and law enforcement equipment market size is forecast to increase by USD 1.45 billion at a CAGR of 6.83% between 2023 and 2028.

The growing focus on public place protection is the key driver of the police and law enforcement equipment market, as governments and law enforcement agencies increase investments in advanced tools and technology to enhance public safety and security. This includes equipment like surveillance systems, body cameras, and protective gear. An emerging trend in the market is the use of social media for law enforcement. Police agencies are increasingly leveraging social media platforms for real-time communication, crime prevention, and gathering intelligence. By monitoring and engaging with the public, law enforcement can improve community relations and enhance their effectiveness in tackling crime
The growth is further supported by the increasing focus on securing public places and ensuring public safety. With the rise in crime rates and terror threats, law enforcement agencies are investing heavily in advanced equipment to enhance their capabilities. Another trend influencing the market is the increasing use of social media for law enforcement purposes, such as crowd control and crime prevention. Communication systems and digital technologies, such as facial recognition and CCTV cameras with night vision and facial recognition capabilities, are increasingly being adopted to enhance operational efficiency and information sharing.

What will be the Size of the Market During the Forecast Period?

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The market caters to the demand for tools and technologies that enable law enforcement officers to maintain law and order, ensure officer safety, and respond effectively to criminal activities. This market encompasses a diverse range of products, including personal protective equipment, such as body armor and helmets, and non-lethal weapons, like striking instruments, chemical agents, and electronic devices. Factors driving market growth include increasing threats to officer safety from violent protests and mass shooting incidences, as well as the need for advanced riot control equipment and non-lethal weapons to minimize harm.
Additionally, the evolution of technology has led to the development of advanced electronic devices, such as surveillance equipment and communication systems, which enhance the capabilities of these agencies. The market is expected to experience significant growth due to the ongoing efforts to improve officer safety and respond effectively to a wide range of threats.

How is this Industry segmented and which is the largest segment?

The industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

Application

  Police
  Court
  Law enforcement agencies and others


Product

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


Geography

  North America

    Canada
    US


  Europe

    Germany
    UK


  APAC

    China


  South America



  Middle East and Africa

By Application Insights

The police segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market is driven by the police segment, which accounted for a significant market share in 2022. Law enforcement officers rely on advanced equipment to maintain law and order, prevent crime, and ensure officer safety. The increasing number of tactical units and civil unrest worldwide are key factors fueling the demand for police equipment. Non-lethal equipment, including impact-resistant polymers, ballistic fibers, and smart sensors, plays a crucial role in managing non-lethal threats and maintaining community relations during non-traditional responsibilities, such as mental health crises, drug dealers, and demographic shifts.

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The police segment was valued at USD 1.36 billion in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

North America is estimated to contribute 42% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.

Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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The law enforcement equipment market in North America is experiencing growth due to escalating government investments to ensure public safety and address criminal activities. In 2022, the US Department of Justice allocated a budget of USD 35.5 billion, with law e

In 2019, the were more than 130 deaths caused by the use of police lethal force in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, out of which 77 were related to the protection of materials goods (including both the agent's or third party property). Meanwhile, around 57 percent of deaths by police intervention were related to personal situations of police officers, including femicide, theft of own property, or other private nature circumstance.

In France, the number of people killed as a result of police action has been rising since 2010. That year, ten people died in such circumstances, compared with 39 in 2022. A record 52 deaths were recorded in 2021.

The source specifies that the figures "cover all situations resulting in death (from bullets, illness, or non-lethal weapon...), without prejudging the legitimacy or otherwise of law enforcement action."

The General Order detailing RPD's deadly physical force policy.

In 2023/24 there were 186 police related fatalities in England and Wales, compared with 198 in the previous reporting year. Of these fatalities, 68 were suicides, 32 were road traffic fatalities, 24 were deaths in or following police custody, with two fatal shootings in this reporting year. A further 60 fatalities were defined as other deaths during or following police contact.

APD Use of Force Data View Please view this Metadata link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sScS5Jez1w8I-DUb6bagsj8efad7tDtIkbebicTXUOM/Use of Force Data will be updated quarterly. APD Filters: The view includes the following agency-specific filters: Asheville Police Department (APD): Use APD Beat Include Records on/after January 01, 2021. The view will have data starting January 01, 2021 and will be updated Quarterly. * Incident_type is filtered to: “Use of force” type_force_used is filtered to: show all that are not Null subject_injury replaces Subject Condition with Null, Conditions are: Mentally Unstable, None Detected, Unknown, Use of Alcohol, Use of Drugs, Use of Alcohol & Drugs. As of November 2020, the Asheville Police Department updated the department's use of force policy to include not only when force was used, but also when force was shown. A show of force is defined as a gesture with a lethal and/or less-lethal weapon directed at a person as a means to coerce or gain compliance. A use of force is defined as any physical strike, instrumental contact with a person, or any physical contact that restricts the movement of a person and does not include the application of handcuffs with no resistance. Because of the updated policy, we have created this new dataset for Use of Force data after January 2021.

In 2023/24, the police in England and Wales fatally shot two people, compared with three in the previous reporting year, and six in 2016/17. During the same reporting year, the police used firearms twice, compared with 13 times in 2018/19. In general, the police in England and Wales and the rest of the UK do not have a tradition of carrying firearms, with the country having some of the strictest gun laws in the world. In 2023/24, out of around 147,746 police officers, just 5,861 were licensed to carry firearms in England and Wales. Comparisons with the United States Among developed economies, the United States is something of an outlier when it comes to police shootings. In 2023, it is estimated that the police in the United States fatally shot 1,163 people. There are also significant disparities based on a person's ethnicity. Between 2015 and March 2024, the rate of fatal police shootings among Black Americans was six per one million people, 2.7 per million people for Hispanic Americans and 2.4 per million people for white Americans. Gun violence overall is also far more prevalent in the United States, with 42 percent of American households owning a firearm as of 2023. Gun homicides rare in England and Wales Of the 602 homicides that took place in England and Wales in 2022/23, just 29 were committed by a person using a firearm. By far the most common method of killing was using a knife or other sharp instrument, at 244 homicides, or around 41,4 percent of them. Compared with twenty years ago, homicides in England and Wales have declined; there were 1,047 in 2002/03. After that reporting year, homicides fell significantly, to a low of just 533 in 2014/15, but this trend reversed, and by 2016/17, there were more than 700 homicides recorded. Although there have been some fluctuations, particularly during 2020/21 at the height of COVID-19 lockdowns, the number of homicides has generally remained at these levels in the years since.

As of 2019, the most training required for sworn school resource officers by law enforcement agencies was on the use of deadly force. For local police departments and sheriffs' offices, the least amount of training was required for de-escalation strategies. However, the majority of school district police required training for de-escalation strategies, at 96.1 percent.

This statistic presents the public opinion on the use of Flash-Balls riot control guns (LBD 40) in France in 2019. It reveals that 54 percent of the respondents stated they were opposed to the use of these defense ball launchers by the police.

LBD 40 The LBD (defense ball launchers) are non-lethal hand-held weapons used by the French law enforcement in riot situations that shoot rubber bullets.