Destination Zero, an initiative of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, helps agencies nationwide improve officer safety and wellness—sharing proven strategies that protect those who protect us. The 2025 Destination Zero Award winners exemplify this mission through innovative programs that reduce risk, strengthen health and resilience, and move us closer to our goal of zero officer fatalities.
Comprehensive Safety: Madison (CT) Police Department
The Madison (CT) PD, winner of Comprehensive Safety, is one of the best-equipped agencies for its size in the U.S. Each of its patrol vehicles has level IV rifle plates for use in custom fitted body armor, a patrol rifle, and “go” bags with medical supplies such as tourniquets, trauma kits, AED, oxygen, Narcan, and extra ammunition and less lethal options. Their weapons training involves de-escalation techniques, and 90% of the department is trained in crisis intervention training. As a result, over the last three years, the use-of-force rate for calls for service has been .037%, .017%, and .065%, respectively. In addition, their traffic safety is enhanced by assigning officers individual vehicles to minimize contamination, by using reflective markings and speed-sensitive lighting, and training officers in safer passenger-side traffic stop approaches. Importantly, the department supports officer wellness through a structured peer support program and other initiatives.
General Officer Safety: Morton Grove (IL) Police Department
The Morton Grove (IL) PD, winner of the General Safety Award, equips officers with custom-fit body armor, designed to reduce physical strain and promote safety. Patrol cars are equipped with tactical bags containing Level IV rifle plates, trauma kits, helmets, and school floor plans, with some vehicles outfitted with ballistic shields. Officers also receive monthly training on shield use. Additional equipment provided to officers includes Avon C50 respirators, ANSI-compliant vests, and boot ice cleats, as well as non-lethal options. All personnel are trained in Basic Life Support (CPR, AED, and Narcan use), and the department conducts regular training in firearms, defensive tactics, and tactical medical applications, with scenario-based sessions held monthly and quarterly. Mental health support includes full Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training, a Peer Support program, and the integration of a morale-boosting emotional support canine.
Comprehensive Wellness: Independence (OH) Police Department
The Independence (OH) PD, winner of Comprehensive Wellness, provides its officers on-site gym access, on-duty workout time, organized physical challenges, group workouts, free wellness exams, as well as free Galleri cancer screenings. The department also incentivizes officers to exceed a yearly PRT Cooper standard and meet goals through the Sydney Health App. Its mental health support includes confidential counseling, peer and chaplain programs, and an annual 30-min screening with a licensed mental health clinician for all personnel. In addition, nutrition and financial wellness resources are provided through seminars and access. Sick time usage was cut in half from 2023 to 2024, resulting in a savings of $125,000 to the city.
Traffic Safety: Smithfield (VA) Police Department
The Smithfield (VA) PD, winner of the Traffic Safety Award, receives Below 100 training alongside the Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC), which is reinforced through ongoing in-service sessions. Officers are mandated to adhere to all traffic regulations and seatbelt policies. Safety at traffic scenes includes high-visibility vests that are issued to each officer and must be worn as per departmental policy, and LED flares are deployed at accident scenes. The department’s briefing room has traffic safety posters and pursuit policies posted as constant reminders of operational standards. In addition, patrol vehicles are equipped with state-of-the-art LED lighting, significantly enhancing illumination and visibility for traffic during critical incidents.
Officer Wellness: Newport Beach (CA) Police Department
The Newport Beach (CA) PD, winner of Officer Wellness, provides its officers a “Rogue” equipped outdoor gym, an indoor facility, and fitness incentives like a bi-annual physical qualifier offering up to 10 hours of compensation time. Annual medical screenings funded by California Assembly Bill 178 are offered for preventative health, and includes body scans, cardiac review, and blood analysis—50 members participated in 2024. Mental wellness at the department is supported through confidential peer and professional mental health assistance, while nutritional wellness is addressed through a healthy meal prep partnership with a local vendor to offer healthy, on-site, grab-and-go meals. Additional city and agency support includes financial services and educational webinars to help staff prepare for the future.