When a sheriff’s deputy died at a police academy in Evansville, Indiana, two years ago, law enforcement leaders said he'd collapsed in routine training
The Associated Press investigation revealed at least 29 police recruit deaths over the past decade, primarily due to exertion and heat during intense training. Most victims were Black men, comprising nearly 60% of cases, despite their smaller representation in police forces. Deaths have risen since 2020, coinciding with officer shortages, and many departments lack screening for heat-related conditions. There's no national tracking system for recruit deaths, leading to unnoticed trends, and investigations vary by state jurisdiction. Many recruits aren't recognized in memorials, highlighting systemic oversight.
