TBI Releases 2019 Law Enforcement-Related Death Study

NASHVILLE – Today, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation released a comprehensive study detailing law enforcement-related deaths that occurred in the state in 2019.

The report, released in accordance to the requirements in Tennessee Code Annotated 38-10-102, uses established definitions and methodology and provides information on qualifying incidents submitted by the state’s law enforcement agencies. Data has been divided into three categories:

• Deadly Use-of-Force Incidents


• Arrest-Related Non-Forcible Deaths


• Deaths in Custody.

Among the report’s findings:

• In 2019, a total of 96 Law Enforcement-Related Deaths were reported by 22 different law enforcement agencies and 26 facilities in Tennessee.


• 30 incidents (32.7%) met the reporting criteria of Deadly Use of Force by a law enforcement officer.


• Approximately half (46.7%) of reported Deadly Use of Force incidents in 2019 occurred in a residence.


• White subjects accounted for 71.4% of Deadly Use of Force incidents. Black/African American subjects accounted for 21.4%.

The full report can be found on the TBI’s website: tbi.pub/reports.