Public Administration

Washington – U.S. law enforcement deaths in the first half of 2013 increased slightly from the previous year, but decreases occurred in firearms- and traffic-related deaths, according to preliminary data released July 11 by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

Washington – The Department of Labor claims proposed changes to its Federal Employees’ Compensation Act program would create a more equitable system, but some experts at a July 10 House hearing warned that the changes could drastically affect injured federal workers.

Austin, TX – Beginning Sept. 1, assaulting emergency department personnel in Texas will be a felony offense under legislation signed into law June 14 by Gov. Rick Perry (R).

Washington – Anthony Foxx was sworn in as the 17th Secretary of Transportation on July 2, five days after being confirmed by the Senate in a unanimous vote.

Atlanta – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has published biosafety recommendations for laboratories working with highly pathogenic avian influenza.

A new study says firearms were responsible for more than 90 percent of on-the-job homicides among law enforcement officers from 1996 to 2010.

Louisville, KY – Traffic law enforcement agencies should shift their priorities away from roadside inspections and instead focus on drivers’ unsafe behaviors – the cause of about 9 out of 10 crashes – according to an American Trucking Associations representative.