A quantitative analysis of wrongful death lawsuits involving police officers in the United States, 1995-2005

This article examines the nature of wrongful death lawsuits involving police officers in the United States. By reviewing state-level cases, the authors determine the circumstances surrounding the incidents. More specifically, the authors note characteristics such as the parties typically involved in the cases, the situation in which the deaths occurred, the location of the incidents, the status of the deceased (suspect/nonsuspect), the number of officers involved in the incidents, the specific reasons for the suits, and the outcomes of the cases. Multivariate analyses were also performed to determine the strongest predictors of success in these suits. The implications of the research for police officers and citizens are also discussed.