ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - While we may think of Christmas as being a time of peace and love, it’s also one of the most dangerous times of the year for law enforcement officers.

Sean Smoot, the executive director of the Illinois Police Benevolent and Protective Association, says far too often a holiday celebration turns into an alcohol-fueled family feud.

“That happens quite frequently as do situations where you have child visitation issues and often there’s an exchange between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day,” he explained. “Sometimes those circumstances result in law enforcement becoming involved as well.”

“Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Years Eve are the three deadliest days in law enforcement, nationally,” Smoot said.

Smoot says being able to send an extra officer or two can help defuse dangerous situations. His group represents about 10,000 state and local officers.