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Increase in IL Police Officer Deaths
(IRN) -- Nine Illinois law enforcement officers died in the line of duty last year, after there were only three in 2009. Why the increase?

The numbers nationally were low in 2009, so 2010 may have been closer to a normal year, says Steve Groeninger of the National Officers Memorial Foundation.

While each line-of-duty death has its own facts and circumstances, Groeninger says in general, the criminals that cops encounter are increasingly crazy. "I think we've got some criminals who are career criminals, and when they get caught, they are deciding they'd rather take their chances and try to shoot their way out of a situation than surrender and face those consequences," he said.

The Illinois officers who were killed last year have had their names added to a memorial in Springfield. So far this year, Illinois has not had any police officer fatalities. The all-time total is 1,007, with gunfire the leading cause (638, including 27 accidental), and car and motorcycle accidents second (226).

(Illinois Radio Network)
05 16 11 by Newsroom
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