Littleton Police Department Completes ABLE Training

Published on July 18, 2023

In June 2023, all sworn personnel with the Littleton Police Department (LPD) completed Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE) training.

The concept for the ABLE training program was created through years of academic research conducted by Georgetown Law, concluding that active bystandership can be taught. The Center for Innovation in Community Safety, partnered with the global law firm Sheppard Mullin, to create the formal ABLE training. This training prepares officers to successfully intervene, or accept interventions, to prevent harm and to create a law enforcement culture that supports peer intervention. ABLE training focuses on preventing misconduct, avoiding policing mistakes, and promoting officer health and wellness.

Additionally, the benefits of ABLE training include:

·      Reduced unnecessary harm to civilians.

·      Reduced unnecessary harm to officers.

·      Reduced risk of officer losing jobs.

·      Reduced risk of lawsuits against the department, the city, and individual officers.

·      Improved police and community relations.

·      Improved officer health and wellness.

·      Improved officer job satisfaction.

·      Improved citizen satisfaction with the law enforcement.

Over 350 law enforcement agencies across the country have participated in ABLE training, and the LPD is proud to be a part of that group.

“LPD is committed to training of all kinds. Our department prides itself in utilizing all resources available to law enforcement to better ourselves and our commitment to serve our community. I take pride in our officers and their commitment to consistently and humbly better themselves through all available means. Due to the dedicated service of these officers and the support of the Littleton community, we all have the opportunity to call Littleton home,” said Police Chief, Doug Stephens.