Contents

U.S.: Fatal Police Shootings, by ethnicity
YearWhiteBlackHispanicOtherUnknownSum
20174582221804477981
20184592281674188983
201942425116842114999
2020459243171271201,020
2021446233136252081,048
2022389225120223411,097
2023412224114263841,160
  • Region: United States
  • Time period: 2017 to 2024
  • Published: Jan 2024

Data Analysis and Insights

Updated: Mar 28, 2024 | Published by: Statistico | About Us | Data sources

Increase in Total Fatal Police Shootings

From 2017 to 2023, the number of fatal police shootings in the United States has risen from 981 incidents to 1160, indicating a 18.2% increase over the seven-year period.

Rising Trend of Unknown Race Fatalities

Fatal shootings involving individuals of unknown race have surged dramatically, from 77 cases in 2017 to 384 cases in 2023, marking a 398.7% increase and highlighting a growing category that complicates racial analysis of police shootings.

Decrease in Hispanic Victims

The number of Hispanic victims has decreased from 180 in 2017 to 114 in 2023, showing a -36.7% change and indicating a downward trend in fatal shootings among this demographic.

Stable Numbers Among Black Victims

Fatal shootings of Black individuals have remained relatively stable, with a slight increase from 222 in 2017 to 224 in 2023. Despite yearly fluctuations, this stability contrasts with the trends seen in other racial categories.

Shift Toward More Unknown Race Incidents

The proportion of incidents involving individuals of unknown race has risen significantly, from 7.8% of all fatal police shootings in 2017 to 33.1% in 2023, indicating a shift in the classification or reporting of these incidents over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the trend in the total number of fatal police shootings in the United States between 2017 and 2023?

Between 2017 and 2023, the total number of fatal police shootings in the United States has gradually increased from 981 to 1160 incidents, representing an 18.2% growth over the seven-year period.

Is there a significant racial disparity in these fatal police shootings?

Yes, significant racial disparities persist in these fatal incidents. In 2023, Black individuals, who constitute about 13% of the U.S. population, accounted for 19.3% of all fatal shootings.

What is the trend in fatal police shootings involving Hispanic individuals between 2017 and 2023?

The number of Hispanic individuals fatally shot by police has decreased from 180 in 2017 to 114 in 2023, marking a 36.7% reduction.

Terms and Definitions

This refers to instances where law enforcement officers use firearms resulting in the death of the individual being apprehended. It's a controversial topic, particularly in discussions of police ethnicity bias, use of force, and police accountability.

These are individuals responsible for upholding and enforcing the law. They include police officers, detectives, and patrol officers, who work to prevent, investigate, and stop crimes.

These are portable guns that can be held and used by an individual. They are used by law enforcement agencies to enforce the law, but also for self-defense.

This refers to the measure of effort required by law enforcement to compel compliance by an unwilling subject. It varies from verbal commands to physical restraint, use of non-lethal weapons, and, in some cases, lethal force, such as a firearm.

This refers to the mechanisms used to hold law enforcement officers and their agencies responsible for their actions and policies. Accountability can be achieved through internal procedures, such as complaint investigations and disciplines, and external measures like supervision by civilian review boards.

This concept refers to the tendency to favor one ethnic group over another. In the context of police shootings, it refers to the alleged or perceived predilection of law enforcement officers to act more aggressively towards individuals of certain ethnic groups.
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