Washington D.C. Mayor Emphasizes Importance of Active Bystander Training for Police

In a commitment to maintaining a culture of excellence within the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), Mayor Muriel Bowser attended an Active Bystander for Law Enforcement (ABLE) training session. Introduced in 2021 as part of the department's annual professional development training, ABLE prepares officers to intervene in situations that could lead to harm, promoting a culture of peer intervention. Mayor Bowser emphasizes the importance of investing in such programs, enabling officers to make the right decision even in high-pressure situations.

Key Takeaways:

• The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has implemented the Active Bystander for Law Enforcement (ABLE) training program, which empowers officers to intervene in situations that could lead to harm.
• The ABLE program employs evidence-based practices from industries such as aviation, medicine, and college campuses, providing officers with the tools and skills to perform interventions.
• MPD has agreed to the 10 key pillars of the ABLE program and has received sponsorship from the Anti-Defamation League and the United States Holocaust Museum Memorial, which have a long history of active bystandership education.
• As of now, 1,396 MPD members have successfully completed the ABLE training, with 13 certified ABLE instructors on staff. Training will continue until all MPD personnel have received this important training.
• The ABLE training program was created by the Georgetown Law Innovative Policing Program, in partnership with the global law firm Sheppard Mullin.
• Mayor Bowser believes that investing in such programs is essential to ensure that officers have the confidence and muscle memory to make the right decision in high-pressure situations.

Statistics:

• 1,396 MPD members have successfully completed the ABLE training program.
• 13 certified ABLE instructors are currently on staff at MPD.
• The ABLE training initiative was introduced in 2021 as part of the MPD's annual professional development training.
• MPD has agreed to the 10 key pillars of the ABLE program.
• The Anti-Defamation League and the United States Holocaust Museum Memorial have had long-standing educational programming on active bystandership for over 20 years.

Sources:

• "Mayor Bowser Attends Active Bystander Training Session" (Office of the Mayor of Washington, D.C.)
• Georgetown Law Innovative Policing Program press release
• Sheppard Mullin global law firm press release