Baltimore, Md. (Oct. 17, 2024) —The Baltimore Police Department’s (BPD) Officer Safety and Wellness (OSW) section won the Destination Zero National Officer Safety and Wellness Award from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund for comprehensive wellness. This award recognizes the department’s comprehensive approach to promoting employee wellness and safety.

See award video, here.

“Congratulations to Director Vernon Herron and our Officer Safety and Wellness section in being recognized for this prestigious award,” said Commissioner Richard Worley. "Our department is committed to prioritizing the wellbeing of all our members, and the work and dedication of OSW is to be commended. I know firsthand the remarkable work of this team and am proud to share in this recognition for their efforts to provide exceptional support and assistance to our members.”

Established in 2014, the Destination Zero Award highlights agencies that encourage voluntary participation, enhance departmental awareness, and achieve strong employee engagement through innovative and creative initiatives. The award is given to law enforcement agencies in the nation that have successfully developed, implemented, and promoted the most comprehensive officer safety and wellness programs. The OSW’s forward-thinking approach has not only improved the well-being of our members, but also set a new standard for law enforcement agencies nationwide.

“Receiving this national award is a testament to the commitment we have in building a resilient police department,” said Officer safety and Wellness Director Vernon Herron. “The resources and investment we’ve made to develop a nationally recognized program, means that our police officers can effectively serve the citizens of Baltimore. We value the health and wellness of all our employees and being recognized as the best health and wellness program in the nation, is an achievement we are extremely proud of.”

This prestigious award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of Director Vernon Herron, the Baltimore Police Peer Support team, and the entire OSW team. The OSW serves as an international leader in advocating for the total physical, mental, financial, and spiritual needs of officers and professional staff members throughout their career. It comprises three sections: the Health and Wellness Unit, Early Intervention Unit, and Retiree/Employee Affairs Unit. With more than 75 members on the Peer Support Team, OSW supports employees in achieving their daily tasks and goals.

The Baltimore Police Department is proud to be the first law enforcement agency in Maryland to receive the Destination Zero Award. In January 2024, the BPD was found to be in full and effective compliance with its Federal Consent Decree regarding the Officer Assistance and Support section, as determined by the U.S. Department of Justice and Senior U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar.

Also see:

BPD files joint motion with DOJ on Full and Effective Compliance of Transportation of Persons in Custody, Officer Assistance and Support section of Consent Decree

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BPD Mission Statement

The Baltimore Police Department is dedicated to upholding the Constitution and enforcing laws in a fair, impartial, and ethical manner. We commit to creating and maintaining a culture of service that builds trust and legitimacy in all communities, values the sanctity of human life, and provides for the safety and well-being of all.