As we approach Police Week 2025, we are within reach of a historic milestone. Line-of-duty deaths are tracking at the lowest level in more than a century. If we stay focused and intentional, this could be the year we finally drop below 100 — a goal many once believed was out of reach.
But success won’t happen by accident. It will happen because of what we choose to do today.
Below 100, a national movement to reduce preventable officer deaths, has shown the way for more than a decade. Built on a common-sense approach to officer safety, the program is grounded in five core tenets:
- Wear your belt.
- Wear your vest.
- Watch your speed.
- WIN – What’s Important Now?
- Remember: Complacency kills!
These aren’t slogans. They’re life-saving actions, born from hard lessons in the field.
Now is not the time to ease up. It’s time to lead.
Here’s one action item for every person who wears a badge: Reflect honestly on your agency. If you had to identify where the next serious injury or line-of-duty death is most likely to occur, what would your answer be? Many of you already know — a high-risk behavior, a specific individual, a cultural blind spot. Once you’ve identified it, act. Have a courageous conversation. Don’t wait for “somebody” to do it. Nobody named “somebody” works at your agency. This is on you. Do it today — lives will be saved.
Over the next few days, as you head into briefing or attend staff meetings, share this encouraging trend with your team. Then ask the question: What can each of us do to improve officer safety in our agency?
The path to Below 100 isn’t abstract. It’s built decision by decision, agency by agency, leader by leader.
Be that leader. Make the difference.
Below 100: The time is now.
Find out more at Below100.org, including how you can request or host a training session.
