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CHARLOTTE — The number of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty increased for a second year. Data from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund shows 173 officers died, seven of those were in North Carolina.

Firearm related fatalities are up 15 percent, which officials say is a near-decade high. The report shows budget cuts are impacting the safety of officers and they are facing a higher risk on the streets.

“There does seem to be an anti government and anti authority sentiment out there. we do feel like we see criminals rather shoot their way out of a situation than face the consequences for their actions.”

Over 450 officers have died in the line of duty since the group started recording deaths.There was some good news in the report, traffic related deaths among officers are down.