The 500 is a 75-year analysis of California peace officer and K-9 deaths, using verified data to identify risk patterns, training gaps, and tactical lessons that can prevent future line-of-duty fatalities.
Unlike most studies, The 500 combines historical data, tactical analysis, and personal interviews—transforming raw numbers into actionable strategies grounded in real incidents and decades of verifiable research.
The goal is to use hard evidence to identify training deficiencies, improve tactical readiness, and create systemic changes that reduce officer and K-9 fatalities across law enforcement agencies.
Yes, the data covers California peace officer and K-9 deaths. However, the lessons, risk patterns, and recommendations apply universally across law enforcement environments worldwide.
After years in law enforcement, Charles Moorman saw the same mistakes repeated. He wrote The 500 to honor the fallen and transform their sacrifices into practical training improvements.
This book is designed for law enforcement leaders, officers, policymakers, criminal justice educators, and training professionals seeking evidence-based insight to enhance officer safety, reform training programs, and guide smarter operational decision-making.
Charles Moorman gathered over 8,700 data points from official records, coroner reports, memorials, and interviews, ensuring accuracy through cross-verification and rigorous documentation of every felonious officer and K-9 death from 1950–2024.
Agencies can use the book's analysis to revise training schedules, improve tactical procedures, strengthen policy development, and prepare officers for high-risk scenarios based on proven historical data.
The title honors more than 500 interviews conducted with investigators, trainers, and officers who contributed firsthand knowledge to make the data and its insights truly comprehensive.
Readers can order The 500 directly from the official website or through major online bookstores. Bulk copies for academies or departments are also available upon request.