The National Violent Death Reporting System: The Critical Law Enforcement Component

摘要

As law enforcement officers know all too well, no one is immune to violence. Violence takes its toll on individuals, families, and communities throughout the United States and affects people of all ages, from infants to the elderly, regardless of sex, race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. Each year, about 50,000 violent deaths occur in this country, the equivalent of the active rosters of 2,000 major league baseball teams.1 Suicides are nearly twice as common as homicides. Homicide is in the top four leading causes of death for persons aged 1 to 34 years; suicide is in the top three for persons aged 10 to 34 years.2 Historically, society has reacted to violence with law enforcement and criminal justice identification, apprehension, and punishment. But in recent decades, criminal justice and public health professionals have recognized the importance of preventing violence before it occurs.