Getting Below 100: A Common-Sense Path Toward Reducing Officer Deaths
For example, 40 percent of motor vehicle accidents in law enforcement involve an officer
ejected from the vehicle. Wearing a seatbelt would prevent many deaths and injuries in
such situations. “Below 100’s concepts can be used in any form of government
operations,” Sellers said. “Examine the root causes of losses and then address those
causes with controls.”
According to LGRMS data, motor vehicle incident and law enforcement operations are
the top two areas where counties lose money to claims. A recent article in Georgia Cities
noted: “Across both worker’s compensation and property/liability claims, motor vehicle
incidents account for 25 percent of losses. Of those losses, 64 percent originate with law
enforcement. […] Within worker’s compensation, a high number of law enforcement
claims involve altercations, foot pursuit, motor vehicle incidents, slips and falls, and
training incidents.”
Focusing on Below 100’s tenets addresses the heart of many reasons why these expensive
claims occur and can help lower liability costs for counties.
It says a lot that the people most passionate about Below 100 are the officers
themselves—especially the veteran officers of 10, 20, or 30 years on the police force.
They’ve seen it all, and they’ve likely seen colleagues die from an incident that could have
been prevented.
“It is my hope that in presenting Below 100 in the capacity as a trainer for LGRMS, I may
play a part in keeping a law enforcement officer safe and alive within the state of
Georgia,” said Earl. “These are my family! As a law enforcement officer for 29 years, I have
always felt obligated to do whatever I can to pass along my knowledge of officer safety. In
presenting Below 100, this is just one more step in that direction.”
www.gachiefs.com • Page 15 • 1st Quarter Newsletter