Two years ago this month, the first Below 100 Train-the-Trainer was presented at the International Law Enforcement and EducatorsAssociation (ILEETA) conference. Since that time, thousands of officers in approximately half of the states of the U.S. have heard this straightforward and common-sense officer safety message. We’re receiving requests every week from areas that want to engage with Below 100.
We’re very proud of the fact that this lifesaving initiative was launched by Law Officer, and what an incredible journey this has been! We’re now using more than a dozen core trainers, all of whom are superb presenters with extensive LE experience and all of whom volunteer their time to make this happen.
There are multiple statewide efforts underway and the overall awareness of Below 100 and its mission—drive down line-of-duty deaths to fewer than 100 in a calendar year—has grown dramatically. I regularly receive emails showing Below 100 posters displayed in briefing rooms and even bathrooms (!) around the country.
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of this program is that it has experienced
such organic growth: There have been more than 1,500 downloads of the training material that permits those who have been trained to share the information with others and they’re often taking it outside of their agency to other areas.
One of my favorite testimonials comes from an LE training icon, Col. Bob “Coach” Lindsay (Ret.), of Jefferson Parrish (La.) Sheriff’s Department: “The main thing that Below 100 is doing that no one else has ever done is putting the onus on the individual officer, regardless of gender, age or assignment. This is not a pipe-dream, this is reality based. We can do this.”
Coach Lindsay is absolutely right. We can do this.
Last year was the lowest LODD toll in more than 50 years, but to continue making progress, everyone must do their part. That means embracing a culture of safety and having the courage to confront those who don’t. That means you!
For more information on Below 100, including how to get materials, posters
or schedule an event, visit www.Below100.com.