An Analysis of Homicides by Off-Duty Police Officers

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.