The Weekly Briefing 🇺🇸
Autonomous Police Car Unveiled
First Homicide-Free Summer
For the first time since records began more than half a century ago, Camden, New Jersey, recorded zero homicides this summer, according to NJ.com. City officials said overall homicides are down 43% so far in 2025, with eight total this year compared to 18 in 2024 and 28 in both 2023 and 2022. Since the 2013 creation of the Camden County Police Department, homicides have fallen 64%. Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli credited the milestone to “the constant dedication of our officers” and partnerships with residents, social services, and technology programs like drones and the Arrive Together mental health initiative. Violent crime overall has dropped to some of the lowest levels in 50 years. 🚓 More here
Drone Threat During ICE Operations
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) imposed a large temporary flight restriction last week over Chicago amid ongoing immigration enforcement operations known as “Midway Blitz,” citing what it called a “credible threat” of drone attacks against law enforcement. The 15-mile flight restriction, which extends over the greater Chicago area and into Lake Michigan, according to The War Zone. CBP said it acted after intelligence suggested small, unmanned aircraft systems could be used to target agents during recent protests tied to mass ICE arrests. Officials also referenced prior violent incidents, including a sniper attack at an ICE detention facility in Dallas and clashes at a Broadview, Illinois facility. 🔗 More here
Drone Plot Targeting Prime Minister
As the U.S. and Europe face a surge in threats against political figures, Belgian police arrested three people in Antwerp for allegedly plotting to attack government officials, including Prime Minister Bart De Wever, using an explosive-laden drone, according to the Associated Press. An “improvised device” and materials for building a weaponized drone — including a 3D printer and steel balls — were seized during home searches ordered by an anti-terrorism judge. Prosecutors said the suspects, ages 18 to 24, were believed to be planning a jihadist-inspired attack and face charges of attempted terrorist murder and participation in a terrorist group. Authorities said the case highlights growing concerns about the use of drones in terrorism, noting similar incidents involving suspicious drone activity near European military sites in recent weeks. ☠️ More here
Officers Shot and Killed
The National Fraternal Order of Police reports that during the first nine months of the year, 251 officers have been shot in the line of duty, down 11% from this time last year. Thirty-five officers have been killed by gunfire, a 16% decrease from 2024. However, ambush-style attacks are up, with 52 such incidents so far this year—resulting in 72 officers shot and 18 killed, compared to 50 attacks and 66 shot in 2024. The FOP noted that 2023 remains the highest year on record for officers shot through this date, with 288. 💙 Full report
Briefing Room with FOP President
ICYMI: Briefing Room podcast featuring National FOP President Patrick Yoes. In this episode we talk about the state of policing in America — from ambush attacks to officer wellness, retention, and the role of new tech.
COMING: Dropping this week, my conversation with Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves. We talk leadership, community safety, and the future of policing. From managing the Super Bowl parade shooting, to preparing for the FIFA World Cup, Chief Graves shares lessons on resilience, innovation, and staying true to her KC roots. Of course we talk about Taylor Swift and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Troopers Shot in Deadly Gunfight
A shoplifting call turned into a violent shootout in Pennsylvania, Wednesday evening, leaving one suspect dead and two state troopers wounded, WGAL reports. The incident began when three suspects stole over $1,000 in clothing from a Dick’s Sporting Goods and fled in a van. After a highway pursuit, troopers disabled the vehicle with tire spikes. As two suspects surrendered, the third, 31-year-old Lamar Foy of Baltimore, opened fire, hitting Troopers Thomas Pack and Lucas Amarose. Despite their injuries, both troopers returned fire, killing Foy. Police said quick use of tourniquets and aid from an off-duty doctor saved the troopers’ lives. Pack has since been released from the hospital; Amarose remains in serious condition after surgery. Investigators later found drugs, cash, and paraphernalia in the suspects’ vehicle, which authorities said was tied to a broader criminal enterprise. 🔗 More here
Officers Shot by Known Suspect
Two Miami police officers were shot Thursday morning after responding to a ShotSpotter alert, authorities said. The gunman, 27-year-old Mason Triana — who was known to police — opened fire with a high-powered rifle, striking a male sergeant and a female officer in the legs. Both were hospitalized and are now in stable condition after surgery. Triana later barricaded himself inside his home, fired again at officers, and was later found dead. Investigators believe the violence stemmed from a domestic dispute. 🔗 More here
Victimization Holds Steady
The recently released Bureau of Justice Statistics’ Criminal Victimization, 2024 report finds little year-to-year change in the nation’s violent crime rate, which stood at 23.3 incidents per 1,000 persons age 12 or older. Roughly 1.45% of Americans reported being victims of violent crime—statistically unchanged from 2023. About 48% of violent victimizations were reported to police, up slightly from 45% the prior year, and firearm-related incidents accounted for roughly 10% of all violent crimes. Property crime also remained stable at 97.6 per 1,000 households. The findings, based on the National Crime Victimization Survey, underscore that while police-reported crime has fallen in many categories, self-reported victimization has not seen a corresponding decline. 📈 Report here
One in Four Officers
A new study published in the Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology and summarized by PoliceResearchHub found that 25% of law enforcement personnel have contemplated, planned, or attempted suicide. The survey of 883 officers across eight U.S. agencies identified PTSD and poor mental health as the strongest predictors of suicidal thoughts, while factors like age, rank, or race showed little effect. Officers in large departments were more than three times as likely to report suicidal ideation as those in smaller ones. Researchers urged departments to expand wellness programs, confidential peer support, and mental health screenings—efforts that could save lives before tragedy strikes. 🔗 More here
More Mass Shootings
At least 10 people were killed and more than 40 injured in two mass shootings over the weekend. In Leland, Mississippi, six people were killed and 20 wounded when gunfire erupted at a homecoming celebration Friday night following a high school football game, according to NPR. No suspect is in custody as state investigators continue to search for answers. In a separate incident, the New York Post reports four people were killed and 20 others injured early Sunday when gunmen opened fire on a crowd of hundreds at a bar on St. Helena Island, South Carolina, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office said. Authorities have identified several persons of interest but made no arrests. 🔗 More here And here
New ICE Facilities
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the department plans to acquire new facilities nationwide to support law enforcement and immigration operations. According to Axios, the General Services Administration has listed cities including Tampa, Louisville, St. Louis, and Grand Rapids for potential long-term leases “in support of administrative operations for law enforcement.” The expansion follows President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Act,” which provides more than $100 billion for ICE and border enforcement through 2029. The move coincides with “Operation Midway Blitz” in Chicago, where federal agents began immigration enforcement efforts that local officials said occurred without prior notice. 🏢 More here
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