Gordon Graham
Category: Public Safety

Gordon Graham here with Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Today’s Tip is for public safety.

Improving safety and changing culture doesn’t cost a thing. “Wear your Belt.” “Watch your Speed.”  

Today’s tip is about changing culture in public safety. Today’s tip, in a nutshell, is this. It takes courage and commitment. Not money. 

I talk to lots of people from all over the country. More than once I’ve heard something like this. I know we have a problem. I know we need to change some things. But they cut our budget and we don’t have the money we need for training. 

You won’t find anyone who believes in training more than I do. Solid. Realistic. Ongoing. And verifiable training. Some training costs money. And sometimes it costs lots of money.  

But improving safety and changing culture doesn’t cost a thing. It costs nothing to use your seat belt. It takes only courage to remind your shift to do the same. Holding people accountable who stubbornly refuse doesn’t affect your training budget. But this is how you change the culture. For the better. 

It costs nothing to drive safely and make sure you get to your calls. It doesn’t cost a dime to gently remind a lead-footed co-worker to slow down. You don’t have to outlay cash to discipline someone who continuously drives like a fool. You just need courage. And commitment.  

It does cost money when you crash a car. And it costs a lot more when your child, spouse, or parents have to bury you. And it costs way more than just money.  

Are you are speeding unnecessarily? Do you always wear your set belt your seat belt? Before you roll your eyes or tune me out, visit the Officer Down Memorial Page. Read about the automobile crashes that have claimed our brave colleagues.  

If you’re still not convinced, take just a minute to imagine your mom or dad. Or your husband or wife. Or your son or daughter. Answering the door when your supervisor arrives to deliver the bad news. 

Embrace the five tenets of Below 100. “Wear your Belt.” “Watch your Speed.”  

Do your part. Change our culture. Reduce the number of line of duty deaths. It costs nothing. It requires only courage and commitment.  

And that’s Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Gordon Graham signing off.