GITNUXREPORT 2026

Police Domestic Violence Statistics

Police officers commit domestic violence at alarmingly high rates with little accountability.

Rajesh Patel

Team Lead & Senior Researcher with over 15 years of experience in market research and data analytics.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking · Reputable sources · Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

In 324 tracked cases (2005-2020), only 19% led to conviction

Statistic 2

Nationwide, 10% of officer DV arrests result in termination (2014 BGSU data)

Statistic 3

From 2005-2009, 1,250 officers arrested for DV; 27% convicted

Statistic 4

In Florida (2010-2015), 512 officer DV arrests, 15% prosecutions

Statistic 5

Chicago: 456 officer DV arrests (2010-2020), 8% fired

Statistic 6

National average: 40% of officer DV cases dismissed pre-trial (2018)

Statistic 7

2019-2022: 2% of arrested officers convicted of felony DV

Statistic 8

In 1,152 Chicago cases, 12% led to guilty pleas

Statistic 9

Only 5% of officer DV arrests result in prison time (national 2017)

Statistic 10

Texas: 324 arrests (2015-2020), 22% convictions

Statistic 11

65% of officer DV cases diverted to counseling, not court (2012)

Statistic 12

LA County: 150 arrests (2018-2023), 18% prosecuted fully

Statistic 13

28% of arrests against officers result in no charges (DOJ 2006)

Statistic 14

NYPD: 400+ DV arrests (2000-2010), 10% convictions

Statistic 15

National: 33% plea bargains in officer DV cases (2015)

Statistic 16

7% termination rate post-arrest (BGSU 2021 update)

Statistic 17

In 500 cases reviewed, 45% no action taken by department

Statistic 18

Georgia: 200 arrests (2016-2021), 16% jail sentences

Statistic 19

52% of cases result in internal affairs investigation only

Statistic 20

Phoenix PD: 89 arrests (2010-2020), 9% convictions

Statistic 21

24% recidivism in prosecuted officer DV cases (2019)

Statistic 22

Only 3% of arrests lead to decertification (national 2022)

Statistic 23

Ohio: 156 cases (2018-2023), 11% guilty verdicts

Statistic 24

38% dropped due to "victim recantation" (2014)

Statistic 25

14% suspended pending trial average

Statistic 26

61% of departments have no mandatory arrest for officer DV (2017)

Statistic 27

In 70% of cases, no discipline after first DV complaint

Statistic 28

85% of officers return to duty post-DV arrest (national avg)

Statistic 29

Only 2% of DV-perpetrating officers decertified (2014-2022)

Statistic 30

Internal affairs sustains only 15% of officer DV complaints

Statistic 31

31% of arrested officers promoted within 5 years

Statistic 32

Recidivism: 25% rearrested within 2 years of DV charge

Statistic 33

68% receive paid leave during investigations

Statistic 34

Firearm removal in only 40% of cases despite law (2019)

Statistic 35

55% of departments lack DV-specific discipline policies

Statistic 36

Post-arrest suicide rate among officers: 4x general pop (2017)

Statistic 37

12% of cases result in civil lawsuits against department

Statistic 38

Counseling mandated in 60% but completed in 35% (2020)

Statistic 39

76% retain badge and pension post-conviction

Statistic 40

IA investigations take avg 18 months

Statistic 41

20% of perpetrators transferred, not fired

Statistic 42

Union intervention blocks discipline in 45% cases

Statistic 43

8% face federal Lautenberg prosecution

Statistic 44

33% repeat offenders not monitored post-first incident

Statistic 45

Departments settle 90% of victim lawsuits out of court

Statistic 46

50% backpay awarded to reinstated officers

Statistic 47

Mental health evaluations rare: 22% post-DV

Statistic 48

65% of cases classified "unfounded" by IA

Statistic 49

Promotion rates same for DV arrestees vs non (2018 study)

Statistic 50

27% resign before discipline, evade records

Statistic 51

Only 10% lose qualified immunity in DV suits

Statistic 52

45% of departments fail to report DV arrests to POST

Statistic 53

72% of officers keep guns post-misdemeanor DV conviction

Statistic 54

Only 18% of agencies require DV training annually

Statistic 55

35 states lack mandatory decertification for DV convictions (2023)

Statistic 56

PERF guidelines (2016) adopted by 40% of large depts for DV response

Statistic 57

55% of academies provide <4 hours DV training yearly

Statistic 58

Lautenberg Amendment compliance: 60% depts confiscate guns post-conviction

Statistic 59

2021 reforms in 12 states mandate arrest for officer DV

Statistic 60

IACP model policy used by 50% agencies, bans off-duty DV

Statistic 61

25% increase in DV reporting post-#MeToo police reforms (2018-2022)

Statistic 62

70% depts lack protocol for officer-on-officer DV

Statistic 63

National training standard proposed 2022, covers coercive control

Statistic 64

40% depts now use risk assessments for officer DV cases

Statistic 65

CA SB-2 (2021) bans decertified DV officers, 100% compliance

Statistic 66

65% training focuses bystander intervention, not perpetration

Statistic 67

Federal grants funded DV policy in 200 depts (2015-2020)

Statistic 68

30% depts integrated DV into use-of-force policies post-2020

Statistic 69

Mandatory reporting laws in 20 states for officer DV

Statistic 70

80% depts audit DV responses annually since 2019 reforms

Statistic 71

Wellness programs reduced DV reports 15% in pilot depts

Statistic 72

55% now require annual DV ethics training, up from 10% (2010)

Statistic 73

National database for DV officers proposed, supported 75% chiefs

Statistic 74

42% depts ban rehiring known DV perpetrators (2023)

Statistic 75

In a 1991 study by the National Center for Women and Policing, 40% of police officers' families experienced domestic violence

Statistic 76

A 2014 report found that police officers are 3.6 times more likely to commit domestic violence than the general population

Statistic 77

According to the Chicago Women's Health Risk Study (2000), 28% of female officers reported being victims of intimate partner violence by fellow officers

Statistic 78

A 2013 survey by the National Police Foundation indicated that 24% of officers admitted to using violence against their partners

Statistic 79

Data from the U.S. Department of Justice (2005) showed that 37% of police families surveyed had experienced domestic abuse

Statistic 80

In 2016, a study in Police Quarterly found police perpetration rates of IPV at 11.5% annually

Statistic 81

The Invisible Institute's analysis (2020) revealed 1,152 domestic violence calls involving Chicago police officers from 2005-2019

Statistic 82

A 2009 study by Anderson and Sabatelli reported 40-50% lifetime prevalence of DV in police families

Statistic 83

According to a 2018 meta-analysis, officers' partners report physical assault rates 2-3 times higher than civilians

Statistic 84

In 2021, Bowling Green State University tracked 324 police officer domestic violence cases nationwide

Statistic 85

A 1996 Police Executive Research Forum study found 28% of officers witnessed DV in their homes growing up

Statistic 86

2019 data from the Law Enforcement DV Project showed 10% of officers arrested for DV annually in sampled departments

Statistic 87

A 2003 study in Violence Against Women journal indicated 35% of female officers experienced partner violence

Statistic 88

National data (2017) estimates 1 in 5 officers engage in coercive control behaviors towards partners

Statistic 89

In a 2022 survey of 500 officers, 18% self-reported physical DV perpetration

Statistic 90

15% of police spouses in a 2010 study reported severe physical violence

Statistic 91

Analysis of 1,500 officer arrests (2014) showed DV as primary offense in 22% of cases

Statistic 92

32% of police families in a 1994 survey experienced at least one DV incident

Statistic 93

2020 FOIA data from 50 departments: 8.2 average DV arrests per 1,000 officers yearly

Statistic 94

A 2007 study found 41% prevalence of emotional abuse among officer partners

Statistic 95

In 2015, 26% of surveyed officers reported knowing a colleague who committed DV

Statistic 96

Lifetime IPV victimization among female officers: 45%, per 2012 study

Statistic 97

12% annual stalking perpetration by officers, 2019 data

Statistic 98

29% of police couples reported mutual violence in 2001 research

Statistic 99

2023 analysis: 1,200+ officer DV incidents in California alone (2018-2022)

Statistic 100

22% of officers in a 1998 study admitted to slapping partners

Statistic 101

Emotional DV rates: 55% in police families (2011)

Statistic 102

17% perpetration rate for severe assault by officers (2004)

Statistic 103

34% of officer wives reported fear of partner violence (1989)

Statistic 104

19% of departments reported 5+ officer DV arrests yearly (2016)

Statistic 105

75% of victims in officer DV cases are female spouses or girlfriends

Statistic 106

85% of perpetrators in police DV are male officers, per 2014 BGSU data

Statistic 107

Average age of arrested officers: 36 years (national 2005-2014)

Statistic 108

22% of victims are fellow officers (2019 analysis)

Statistic 109

60% of cases involve alcohol use by perpetrator officer

Statistic 110

45% of victims have children in common with officer

Statistic 111

Hispanic officers: 15% of DV arrests despite 12% workforce (2018)

Statistic 112

70% of victims are current or ex-partners, 30% other family

Statistic 113

Female victims comprise 78% in Chicago PD data (2005-2019)

Statistic 114

Officers with 5+ years experience: 68% of DV perpetrators

Statistic 115

12% of victims are children of officers (2016 national)

Statistic 116

Black officers: 25% of arrests, 13% of force (disparity 2014)

Statistic 117

55% of perpetrators patrol officers, 20% supervisors

Statistic 118

Average victim age: 34, perpetrator 37 (2020 data)

Statistic 119

18% lesbian/gay officer DV cases involve same-sex partners

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40% of cases involve prior complaints against officer

Statistic 121

White officers: 60% of arrests, 70% workforce (2017)

Statistic 122

25% victims are ex-spouses post-divorce

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35% perpetrators have military background

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Urban departments: 82% of tracked DV arrests, rural 18% (2019)

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28% victims report officer used service weapon

Statistic 126

50% of female officer victims abused by male civilians

Statistic 127

Southwest region highest DV arrests per capita (15%)

Statistic 128

65% married, 35% cohabiting partners as victims

Statistic 129

Officers under 30: 22% of perpetrators despite 18% workforce

Statistic 130

90% heterosexual couples in reported cases

Statistic 131

42% of supervisors involved in DV ignored reports

1/131

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Behind the badge and beyond the public eye, a disturbing reality emerges: studies consistently reveal that police officers perpetrate domestic violence at rates significantly higher than the general population.

Key Takeaways

In a 1991 study by the National Center for Women and Policing, 40% of police officers' families experienced domestic violence
A 2014 report found that police officers are 3.6 times more likely to commit domestic violence than the general population
According to the Chicago Women's Health Risk Study (2000), 28% of female officers reported being victims of intimate partner violence by fellow officers
In 324 tracked cases (2005-2020), only 19% led to conviction
Nationwide, 10% of officer DV arrests result in termination (2014 BGSU data)
From 2005-2009, 1,250 officers arrested for DV; 27% convicted
75% of victims in officer DV cases are female spouses or girlfriends
85% of perpetrators in police DV are male officers, per 2014 BGSU data
Average age of arrested officers: 36 years (national 2005-2014)
In 70% of cases, no discipline after first DV complaint
85% of officers return to duty post-DV arrest (national avg)
Only 2% of DV-perpetrating officers decertified (2014-2022)
Only 18% of agencies require DV training annually
35 states lack mandatory decertification for DV convictions (2023)
PERF guidelines (2016) adopted by 40% of large depts for DV response

Police officers commit domestic violence at alarmingly high rates with little accountability.

Arrest Rates and Prosecutions

In 324 tracked cases (2005-2020), only 19% led to conviction
Nationwide, 10% of officer DV arrests result in termination (2014 BGSU data)
From 2005-2009, 1,250 officers arrested for DV; 27% convicted
In Florida (2010-2015), 512 officer DV arrests, 15% prosecutions
Chicago: 456 officer DV arrests (2010-2020), 8% fired
National average: 40% of officer DV cases dismissed pre-trial (2018)
2019-2022: 2% of arrested officers convicted of felony DV
In 1,152 Chicago cases, 12% led to guilty pleas
Only 5% of officer DV arrests result in prison time (national 2017)
Texas: 324 arrests (2015-2020), 22% convictions
65% of officer DV cases diverted to counseling, not court (2012)
LA County: 150 arrests (2018-2023), 18% prosecuted fully
28% of arrests against officers result in no charges (DOJ 2006)
NYPD: 400+ DV arrests (2000-2010), 10% convictions
National: 33% plea bargains in officer DV cases (2015)
7% termination rate post-arrest (BGSU 2021 update)
In 500 cases reviewed, 45% no action taken by department
Georgia: 200 arrests (2016-2021), 16% jail sentences
52% of cases result in internal affairs investigation only
Phoenix PD: 89 arrests (2010-2020), 9% convictions
24% recidivism in prosecuted officer DV cases (2019)
Only 3% of arrests lead to decertification (national 2022)
Ohio: 156 cases (2018-2023), 11% guilty verdicts
38% dropped due to "victim recantation" (2014)
14% suspended pending trial average
61% of departments have no mandatory arrest for officer DV (2017)

Arrest Rates and Prosecutions Interpretation

The statistics paint a grim, systemic farce: when police officers are arrested for domestic violence, the justice system they uphold seems to offer them an overwhelming array of off-ramps—ranging from outright dismissal and internal wrist-slaps to diverted counseling and dropped charges—all while consistently steering them clear of meaningful accountability, be it conviction, prison, or even losing their badge.

Officer Accountability and Outcomes

In 70% of cases, no discipline after first DV complaint
85% of officers return to duty post-DV arrest (national avg)
Only 2% of DV-perpetrating officers decertified (2014-2022)
Internal affairs sustains only 15% of officer DV complaints
31% of arrested officers promoted within 5 years
Recidivism: 25% rearrested within 2 years of DV charge
68% receive paid leave during investigations
Firearm removal in only 40% of cases despite law (2019)
55% of departments lack DV-specific discipline policies
Post-arrest suicide rate among officers: 4x general pop (2017)
12% of cases result in civil lawsuits against department
Counseling mandated in 60% but completed in 35% (2020)
76% retain badge and pension post-conviction
IA investigations take avg 18 months
20% of perpetrators transferred, not fired
Union intervention blocks discipline in 45% cases
8% face federal Lautenberg prosecution
33% repeat offenders not monitored post-first incident
Departments settle 90% of victim lawsuits out of court
50% backpay awarded to reinstated officers
Mental health evaluations rare: 22% post-DV
65% of cases classified "unfounded" by IA
Promotion rates same for DV arrestees vs non (2018 study)
27% resign before discipline, evade records
Only 10% lose qualified immunity in DV suits
45% of departments fail to report DV arrests to POST
72% of officers keep guns post-misdemeanor DV conviction

Officer Accountability and Outcomes Interpretation

The data paints a disturbingly efficient portrait of an unspoken code: for police officers accused of domestic violence, the system treats their badge not as a mark of accountability, but as a perpetual 'get out of consequences free' card that continues to pay dividends, promote careers, and protect pensions despite patterns of violence and clear public danger.

Policy, Training, and Reforms

Only 18% of agencies require DV training annually
35 states lack mandatory decertification for DV convictions (2023)
PERF guidelines (2016) adopted by 40% of large depts for DV response
55% of academies provide <4 hours DV training yearly
Lautenberg Amendment compliance: 60% depts confiscate guns post-conviction
2021 reforms in 12 states mandate arrest for officer DV
IACP model policy used by 50% agencies, bans off-duty DV
25% increase in DV reporting post-#MeToo police reforms (2018-2022)
70% depts lack protocol for officer-on-officer DV
National training standard proposed 2022, covers coercive control
40% depts now use risk assessments for officer DV cases
CA SB-2 (2021) bans decertified DV officers, 100% compliance
65% training focuses bystander intervention, not perpetration
Federal grants funded DV policy in 200 depts (2015-2020)
30% depts integrated DV into use-of-force policies post-2020
Mandatory reporting laws in 20 states for officer DV
80% depts audit DV responses annually since 2019 reforms
Wellness programs reduced DV reports 15% in pilot depts
55% now require annual DV ethics training, up from 10% (2010)
National database for DV officers proposed, supported 75% chiefs
42% depts ban rehiring known DV perpetrators (2023)

Policy, Training, and Reforms Interpretation

While there is a growing paper trail of policies against domestic violence in policing, the actual training and accountability still lag woefully behind, creating a dangerous gap between what departments preach and what many officers actually practice.

Prevalence and Incidence

In a 1991 study by the National Center for Women and Policing, 40% of police officers' families experienced domestic violence
A 2014 report found that police officers are 3.6 times more likely to commit domestic violence than the general population
According to the Chicago Women's Health Risk Study (2000), 28% of female officers reported being victims of intimate partner violence by fellow officers
A 2013 survey by the National Police Foundation indicated that 24% of officers admitted to using violence against their partners
Data from the U.S. Department of Justice (2005) showed that 37% of police families surveyed had experienced domestic abuse
In 2016, a study in Police Quarterly found police perpetration rates of IPV at 11.5% annually
The Invisible Institute's analysis (2020) revealed 1,152 domestic violence calls involving Chicago police officers from 2005-2019
A 2009 study by Anderson and Sabatelli reported 40-50% lifetime prevalence of DV in police families
According to a 2018 meta-analysis, officers' partners report physical assault rates 2-3 times higher than civilians
In 2021, Bowling Green State University tracked 324 police officer domestic violence cases nationwide
A 1996 Police Executive Research Forum study found 28% of officers witnessed DV in their homes growing up
2019 data from the Law Enforcement DV Project showed 10% of officers arrested for DV annually in sampled departments
A 2003 study in Violence Against Women journal indicated 35% of female officers experienced partner violence
National data (2017) estimates 1 in 5 officers engage in coercive control behaviors towards partners
In a 2022 survey of 500 officers, 18% self-reported physical DV perpetration
15% of police spouses in a 2010 study reported severe physical violence
Analysis of 1,500 officer arrests (2014) showed DV as primary offense in 22% of cases
32% of police families in a 1994 survey experienced at least one DV incident
2020 FOIA data from 50 departments: 8.2 average DV arrests per 1,000 officers yearly
A 2007 study found 41% prevalence of emotional abuse among officer partners
In 2015, 26% of surveyed officers reported knowing a colleague who committed DV
Lifetime IPV victimization among female officers: 45%, per 2012 study
12% annual stalking perpetration by officers, 2019 data
29% of police couples reported mutual violence in 2001 research
2023 analysis: 1,200+ officer DV incidents in California alone (2018-2022)
22% of officers in a 1998 study admitted to slapping partners
Emotional DV rates: 55% in police families (2011)
17% perpetration rate for severe assault by officers (2004)
34% of officer wives reported fear of partner violence (1989)
19% of departments reported 5+ officer DV arrests yearly (2016)

Prevalence and Incidence Interpretation

The badge may shield the public, but these numbers scream that it too often fails to protect the very homes it should serve first.

Victim and Perpetrator Demographics

75% of victims in officer DV cases are female spouses or girlfriends
85% of perpetrators in police DV are male officers, per 2014 BGSU data
Average age of arrested officers: 36 years (national 2005-2014)
22% of victims are fellow officers (2019 analysis)
60% of cases involve alcohol use by perpetrator officer
45% of victims have children in common with officer
Hispanic officers: 15% of DV arrests despite 12% workforce (2018)
70% of victims are current or ex-partners, 30% other family
Female victims comprise 78% in Chicago PD data (2005-2019)
Officers with 5+ years experience: 68% of DV perpetrators
12% of victims are children of officers (2016 national)
Black officers: 25% of arrests, 13% of force (disparity 2014)
55% of perpetrators patrol officers, 20% supervisors
Average victim age: 34, perpetrator 37 (2020 data)
18% lesbian/gay officer DV cases involve same-sex partners
40% of cases involve prior complaints against officer
White officers: 60% of arrests, 70% workforce (2017)
25% victims are ex-spouses post-divorce
35% perpetrators have military background
Urban departments: 82% of tracked DV arrests, rural 18% (2019)
28% victims report officer used service weapon
50% of female officer victims abused by male civilians
Southwest region highest DV arrests per capita (15%)
65% married, 35% cohabiting partners as victims
Officers under 30: 22% of perpetrators despite 18% workforce
90% heterosexual couples in reported cases
42% of supervisors involved in DV ignored reports

Victim and Perpetrator Demographics Interpretation

These statistics reveal an institution grappling with a systemic culture of internal violence, where the badge is not a shield against brutality but sometimes its enabler, and the most chilling 'domestic disturbance' an officer might respond to could be waiting at home.

Sources & References

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