But deaths have only continued to mount. At least five were recorded in 2024, including a New York City recruit who died of heatstroke, a Kentucky man who exerted himself during water-based survival training and a Massachusetts cadet who became unresponsive during defensive tactics training.

The Associated Press set out to learn whether such deaths were routine and why were they happening. Drawing on public records and news reports, AP's investigation found that at least 29 recruits have died nationwide over the past decade while participating in basic training to become law enforcement officers.

At least 29 recruits died unexpectedly while participating in basic law enforcement training over the last decade, according to an investigation by .

At least 29 recruits have died during basic training at law enforcement academies nationwide in the last decade according to new reporting by the Associated Press.