Final answer:
The claim that nine out of ten law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty are victims of young men with guns is not supported by recent statistics showing that police work is becoming safer and is not among the most dangerous jobs. Fatalities have generally declined, with 2013 marking the lowest number of police deaths by firearms since 1887.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that 'Nine out of ten law enforcement officers who are killed in the line of duty are victims of guns in the hands of young men' is not consistently supported by available data and trends. Over recent years, police work has become progressively safer, and according to statistics, it is not one of the most hazardous jobs. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund show that law enforcement fatalities, including those by firearms, have been on a general decline, with 2013 seeing the fewest police deaths by firearms since 1887.
It is important to note that these trends can fluctuate from year to year, as seen in the difference between police deaths in 2013 and 2014. Misconceptions about the dangers faced by law enforcement can contribute to heightened fears that affect both officers and the communities they serve. Discussions around misinformation, police-community relations, and racial disparities in policing are vital.
Therefore, the claim in question would likely be considered false based on the downward trend in law enforcement fatalities and the context provided by historical data on the safety of police work in comparison to other professions.