ALEA Safety First Program Overview

Purpose

The purpose of the Safety First Program is to eliminate accidents by building a communications network that reaches out to all ALEA members on safety and related issues. The program is all-inclusive, and addresses chief officers, unit managers, safety officers and aircrews. Safety First takes a proactive approach that makes safety an integral part of every organization’s culture, not just a separate program.

1. Standards – Standards are the foundation for what we do and how we do it. Following approval by the Board of Directors, ALEA’s newly developed standards will be placed on the ALEA website for members to review and comment in early 2005. This will be a defining moment for law enforcement aviation in the United States.
   
   
2. Commitment – Every member needs to buy into Safety First, and commit to making safety our highest priority.
   
   
3. Focus – Safety must consciously become part of everything we do. We must each keep our eyes on the ball.
   
   
4. Training – Each person should receive the training necessary to perform his/her job in a safe and effective manner. The Safety First Program recognizes that training for Unit Managers and Safety Officers is essential. In 2005, ALEA will waive the cost for tuition and conference registration ($420), for the first 50 Unit Managers that are ALEA members, who register for the Unit Manager Course.
   
   
5. Assessment – We must continually assess safety issues relating to both operations and support functions, and develop and implement procedures that help prevent mishaps.
   
   
6. Recognition – There is an ALEA Flight Safety Recognition Program that will recognize benchmarks in flight hours without accidents.

Newsletter

There is a monthly newsletter. It will include information about accidents and incidents, safety bulletins, safety studies, training materials, safety audits, and other safety related information.

Safety Management Systems (SMS) Toolkit

The Toolkit is a compilation of best practices and solutions from small, medium, and large helicopter operators as well as airlines, industry groups, and governments. The Toolkit is intended to assist organizations in achieving their desired safety performance objectives while allowing them to choose the best way to reach that outcome.

SMS Toolkit PDF ~ 520 kb

Joint Helicopter Safety Analysis Team Year 2000 Report.

The Joint Helicopter Safety Analysis Team (JHSAT) conducted an in-depth study of 197 helicopter accidents that occurred in the year 2000. This study resulted in several recommendations to the helicopter community at large and specifically to law enforcement. This report is a valuable tool that all law enforcement aviation organizations can use in their safety programs to eliminate accidents. This study is ongoing and the year 2001 accidents are currently being analyzed. Please contact me if you have any questions. Keith Johnson ALEA Safety Program Manager safety@alea.org

Report PDF ~ 4 mb

Safety Management System (SMS) PowerPoint Presentation

This Presentation prepared by Keith Johnson, contains the latest information on the Safety Management System (SMS) along with a complete synopsis of the ALEA ‘Safety First’ Program and updated information on law enforcement accident statistics since 1999.

Opt-In Email List

From time to time, ALEA sends "safety specific" email notices to anyone who chooses to receive them. If you would like to receive our safety emails, please submit your email address.

Safety Posters

Every unit will receive a safety poster every three months to help in staying focused on safety. The posters will have different themes that address how to eliminate accidents. You can click here to view and download posters as they become available.

For additional information and comments about the Safety First Program contact: Keith Johnson, Safety Program Manager: safety@alea.org or (310) 839-5813.

Safety Articles from Air Beat Magazine

The following articles have appeared in Air Beat Magazine.

• Timing & Execution
• Avoid Unnecessary Risks
• Safety Knows No Borders
• Safety First... Everything Else Second
• Safety Management Systems: How to Better Manage Known Risks
• Safety On The Flightline
• Altitude & Airspeed
• Safety in Acquisitions
• Special Operations Aircraft From a Safety Perspective
• Join The Force: Be a Part of the Safety Solution
• Medevacs are Not Routine
• Realistic Rescue: Is Your Agency Well-Suited for Hoist Ops?
• Incorporating Technology Safely!
• Simulators & Scenarios

Safety Online

ALEA offers online safety resources.  You must be a member to view these resources.