This booklet addresses the rationale and features of the federal Preventing Violence Against Law Enforcement Officers and Ensuring Officer Resilience and Survivability (VALOR) Initiative, which is an effort to improve the immediate and long-term safety, wellness, and resilience of law enforcement officers.
The VALOR Initiative uses a multifaceted approach in achieving its objectives of delivering no-cost training and professional education, conducting research, developing and providing resources, as well as establishing partnerships that benefit law enforcement officers. VALOR is continually assessing, improving, and expanding its efforts to address various issues, concerns, and trends faced by law enforcement officers, as it integrates the latest research, practices, and challenges related to all aspects of officer safety, wellness, and performance. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) administers the VALOR Program, which provides in-person, virtual, and online training and technical assistance that focuses on preparing officers to recognize indicators of dangerous situations, apply defusing techniques, implement casualty care, and use rescue tactics, emphasizing professional policing standards and improving wellness and resilience. Training is continually assessed based on conditions and challenges officers face in the field. Goals of the VALOR Program include the development of resilient officers and agencies through the development of knowledge and skills required to deal effectively with daily challenges and stressors. Components of the VALOR Program address the prevention of officer suicide, risk reduction strategies, as well as defensive and protective tactics under various conditions and threats. VALOR efforts also focus on reducing threats to officers, such as violent crime. This includes the promotion of law enforcement and community cooperation that focuses on efforts to reduce threats to both officers and community residents.