In the wake of recent police deaths, it's easy to be overwhelmed by the headlines and feel like the situation is spiraling out of control. But, as University of Ottawa professor Justin Piché points out, it's important to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. While the cluster of deaths is concerning, Piché argues that they are not enough to declare a trend, particularly when compared to historical data. In fact, according to his report, 'On Duty Police Officer Deaths Across Canada', policing is a much safer job today than it was in the 1960s and 70s.
What makes this particularly fascinating is that, despite a substantially larger police workforce today, the number of deaths from 1967-1976 and 1977-1986 far exceeds the number of deaths by intentional harmful acts between 2017 and the first half of 2026. This raises a deeper question: what has changed in the past few decades that has led to a decrease in police deaths?
One thing that immediately stands out is the shift in the nature of police work. In the past, police officers were more likely to be involved in high-risk situations, such as chasing down criminals or dealing with violent protests. Today, however, police work is more focused on community policing and crime prevention. This shift has led to a decrease in the number of deaths, as police officers are less likely to be put in harm's way.
From my perspective, this highlights the importance of rethinking the way we approach policing. Instead of focusing solely on law enforcement, we should be investing more in community-based initiatives that address the root causes of crime and violence. This could include investing in mental health services, education programs, and social services that provide support to at-risk individuals.
What many people don't realize is that the decrease in police deaths is not just a result of better training or equipment. It's also a reflection of the changing nature of society. In the past, police officers were seen as the ultimate authority figures, and their actions were often met with resistance and hostility. Today, however, there is a growing recognition that policing should be a collaborative effort, with police officers working alongside community members to address issues and build trust.
If you take a step back and think about it, this makes sense. Police officers are human beings, and they are not immune to the biases and prejudices that can affect everyone. By working together with community members, police officers can build stronger relationships and develop a better understanding of the issues that affect the people they serve. This, in turn, can lead to more effective policing and a decrease in the number of deaths.
In my opinion, the recent cluster of police deaths is a wake-up call that we need to reevaluate our approach to policing. Instead of focusing solely on law enforcement, we should be investing more in community-based initiatives that address the root causes of crime and violence. This is the only way to ensure that policing is a safer and more effective force for good in our society.
