The FBI says 41 law enforcement officers were feloniously killed in the line of duty in 2008, 17 fewer than in 2007. All but five were killed with firearms, including 25 with handguns, five with rifles, four with shotguns. Four officers were killed by vehicles, and two officers died from injuries as a result of a bomb. The number of officers killed in accidents while on duty also dropped, to 67 officers in 2008, down 16 from 2007.
At the time of their deaths, 30 of the law enforcement officers were wearing body armor. Ten officers fired their weapons, and four of the officers attempted to fire their weapons. Six officers had their weapon stolen, and four officers were killed with their own weapons. Ten of the deaths occurred during arrest situations, eight officers were killed during traffic pursuits/stops, seven during tactical situations, six while investigating suspicious persons/circumstances, six were as a result of ambush situations, two officers were performing investigative activities, one was responding to a disturbance call, and one was handling, transporting, or had custody of a prisoner.