2017 Comprehensive Safety Winner - Burlington (NC) Police Department
In 2013, the Burlington PD embarked on a campaign to improve officer safety with the message of: “we are not going to bury another.” The department instituted minimum staffing levels to ensure response safety. A mandatory vest policy was implemented and vests were upgraded to level IIIA. Officers were issued hard armor plate carriers, helmets, ballistic shields, and ballistic door panels were installed on the cruisers.
The Destination Zero program is proud to recognize officer safety and officer wellness programs that proactively engage employees in initiatives that increase overall officer wellness and/or reduce line-of-duty injuries or deaths. Each year, awards are presented in four categories, and winners are acknowledged during Police Week ceremonies in Washington, DC.