This is Our Moonshot: “How can we prevent these deaths from happening?”
A new mini-documentary details the latest on efforts to cut gun-related deaths between police and the public
Apr 28, 2023
Six months ago, we launched our moonshot goal to cut gun-related deaths between police and the public by 50% in the next 10 years. Since then, we’ve received encouraging support for the goal, as well as questions about how we’ll achieve it. But whether we’re talking to a member of law enforcement familiar with our products and mission, or a community member less knowledgeable about Axon’s technology, almost everyone can agree that this is a problem worth solving.
In 2022 alone, 62 officers and 1,096 civilians lost their lives in gun-related incidents between police and the public, according to leading sources*.This number has risen steadily and tragically for several years, representing devastating losses to families, communities and the United States as a whole.
In a new mini-documentary, we give context for why we feel compelled to pursue our moonshot and who we’re convening to help us achieve it.
“Police officers lose their lives, and community members lose their lives. How do we prevent both from happening?” asks U. Renee Hall, Ret. Chief of Dallas Police Department in the video.
Axon was founded on a bold idea—what if there was a better, less lethal alternative to a firearm?—and continues to add to our portfolio of innovation, as well as to the portfolio of big ideas that we believe will protect life. Our moonshot is the latest such rallying cry focusing our team on solving an intractable problem. You can read more about the background here.
In many police encounters today, body-worn video can be the difference between a community in healing and a community in distress. Similarly, we know the moonshot goal, if misinterpreted, can result in division rather than collaboration. And it’s why we’re proud today to share the video below, produced in partnership with Freethink, to help tell the moonshot story. This is the first of many chapters that will unfold over the next decade.
We’re in the early stages of this work, but the clock is ticking. We invite you to follow our progress at thisisourmoonshot.com, and sign up if there’s an idea, skill or technology you feel you can contribute. We thank our partners to date, and those who will join us over the next 10 years.
*Sources: Washington Post Police Shootings Database and Fraternal Order of Police Monthly Update: Police Officers Shot and Killed
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