Report: Number of cops killed by guns up 26%

    By Megan Kole

    2009 was a tough year for Pennsylvania law enforcement. It was the year six police officers were shot and killed. That puts the state among the 10 deadliest states for police.

    By Megan Kole

    2009 was a tough year for Pennsylvania law enforcement. It was the year six police officers were shot and killed. That puts the state among the 10 deadliest states for police.

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    In Philadelphia one officer died in the line of duty this year, John Pawlowski was shot and killed in February responding to a distress call from a cab driver.

    Philadelphia District Attorney elect Seth Williams says the best solution is to get the most dangerous criminals off the street and not re-released.

    Williams: Philadelphia has the lowest conviction rate of the 40 largest urban areas. That’s unacceptable. So to keep police safe we have to ensure that the first time folks get arrested that their handled.

    Nationally the number of police officers killed by gunfire this year was up 26% over 2008, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund survey.

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