Black recruits represented nearly 60% of those who died, a striking disparity given that federal data show Black officers make up 12% of local police forces. Many carried sickle cell trait, a condition most prevalent among Black Americans that increases the risk of serious injury following extreme exertion.

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

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