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Law Enforcement Resources

Law enforcement professionals are more likely to encounter dangerous extremists than virtually any other segment of American society — and those confrontations are, tragically, sometimes fatal.

Law enforcement professionals are more likely to encounter dangerous extremists than virtually any other segment of American society — and those confrontations are, tragically, sometimes fatal. In fact, a 2010 University of Maryland study found that 49 of more than 400 people killed by radical-right extremists since 1990, or nearly 15%, have been law enforcement officers. With that in mind, the SPLC has undertaken a number of initiatives to equip officers with information and other resources that may help them carry out their duties with a minimum of danger to themselves.

Our free law enforcement trainings teach officers how to recognize hate groups, symbols and activity; the threat potential of specific groups; and how to respond to hate group activity. The Extremist Files contains updated biographical profiles of leading hate groups and extremist leaders, plus background on the various extremist ideologies. And our Hate Map helps officials locate extremist groups within their communities.

In the years since the Oklahoma City federal building was bombed in 1995, 45 law enforcement officers have been murdered by domestic extremists connected to or influenced by groups or ideologies monitored by the SPLC.

The following resources and publications may help officers learn more about hate groups and warning signs that can help them deal with the threat of extremists.

The following videos and resources are designed to be used during roll call. They show officers how to respond to potential threats involving extremist movements.