11 Troopers, Now Designated Instructors, Complete National Accountability Training Program for Law Enforcement

Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Safety announces that nearly a dozen members from its Division of State Police have completed the Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE) Project™, a national training and support initiative for U.S. law enforcement agencies committed to building a culture of peer intervention that prevents harm.

The designated instructors will now be tasked with providing ABLE training to all other New Hampshire state troopers.

By demonstrating a firm commitment to transformational reform with support from local community groups and elected leaders, the Department joins a select group of more than 215 other law enforcement agencies and statewide and regional training academies across North America.

"New Hampshire law enforcement remains the gold standard across the country, and this is another step in the right direction as the state works to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve" said Governor Chris Sununu.

"ABLE training is consistent with the recommendations of the New Hampshire Commission on Law Enforcement Accountability, Community, and Transparency (LEACT), established by the Governor,"
said Department of Safety Assistant Commissioner Eddie Edwards. "ABLE stresses peer accountability and reinforces community trust between New Hampshire State Police and the residents of and visitors to our state."

The Department of Safety's initiative to participate in ABLE training was fully supported by Governor Chris Sununu.

"The New Hampshire State Police is excited to move forward with ABLE training and want to thank the many community stakeholders that supported us through the application process," State Police Col. Nathan Noyes said. "This training will ensure that we continue to provide the highest degree of law enforcement service throughout the state while maintaining our core values of professionalism, fairness and integrity, and we are grateful for the opportunity."

The evidence-based, field-tested ABLE Project was developed by Georgetown Law's Center for Innovations in Community Safety in collaboration with global law firm Sheppard Mullin LLP to provide practical active bystandership strategies and tactics to law enforcement officers to prevent misconduct, reduce mistakes, and promote health and wellness.

The Project is guided by a Board of Advisors comprised of civil rights, social justice, and law enforcement leaders, including Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department; Commissioner Danielle Outlaw of the Philadelphia Police Department; Dr. Ervin Staub, professor emeritus at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the founder of the Psychology of Peace and Justice Program.

"The completion of this program is a tremendous accomplishment for the Department, which I am extremely proud of, and I want to thank everyone who supported and participated in this training," Department of Safety Commissioner Robert L. Quinn said.

To date, 11 State Police-designated instructors have completed the program. They will begin training troopers this year.

For more information about the ABLE Project, visit the program's website.