He listed reasons for the drop in officer deaths , including better training and equipment ; increased use of less-lethal weapons ; more officers wearing bullet-resistant vests ; and an increased awareness among officers that `` every assignment is potentially life-threatening . '' It 's been `` one of the safest years for U.S. law enforcement in decades , '' groups say . Reasons cited : Better training and equipment , more officers in bullet-resistant vests . Officials also cite a downturn in violent crime in general . Comment:
It 's been `` one of the safest years for U.S. law enforcement in decades , '' groups say . Reasons cited : Better training and equipment , more officers in bullet-resistant vests . Officials also cite a downturn in violent crime in general . Comment: