DOI: 10.1177/10887679241245963 ISSN: 1088-7679
An Analysis of Homicides by Off-Duty Police Officers
Scott E. Culhane- Law
- Psychology (miscellaneous)
- Pathology and Forensic Medicine
The current study examined 119 incidents of off-duty police shootings resulting in 123 deaths. Results show that the majority (69%) of off-duty deaths were the cumulative result of the officer being a target of a crime or interjecting themselves to assist others who were targeted. Those who intercede on behalf of others were not subjected to criminal proceedings. Other findings of note revealed how off-duty fatal police shootings frequently involved people of color. The various approaches of states, police departments, and district attorney offices in reporting of these cases was problematic. A greater transparency within the investigation is discussed.