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Fatal Injuries of Law Enforcement/Correctional Officers Attacked With Sharp-Edged Weapons

NCJ Number
252041
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 62 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2017 Pages: 700-704
Date Published
May 2017
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This study examined sharp-edged weapon assaults against law enforcement and correctional agents that resulted in a fatal outcome.
Abstract
A total of 12 autopsy reports were reviewed from across the United States. Four cases involved law enforcement officers; seven involved correctional officers; and one was an off-duty border officer. The male-to-female ratio was 11:1. A total of 70.2 percent of the wounds analyzed were stab wounds (n = 85), and 29.8 percent of the wounds were slash wounds (n = 36). Based on this review, the neck, shoulder, and chest regions were the most vulnerable to single fatal stab/slash wounds. Multiple stab/slash wounds often resulted in exsanguination. The use of body armor was only noted in one case. (Publisher abstract modified)

Date Published: May 1, 2017