No other outlet matched the scope or depth of reporter Ryan J. Foley’s Dying to Serve investigative series.
After Foley’s February report on deaths at U.S. police academies, he heard from readers and law enforcement officials nationwide — including a whistleblower who described being seriously injured during a four-on-one combat drill in Texas. Foley’s reporting uncovered that the drill — often known as RedMan, for the brand and color of protective gear used — had been linked to numerous injuries and several deaths.
As the investigation continued, a police recruit in San Francisco died during a similar exercise. The final installment demonstrated how sustained accountability reporting builds momentum, uncovers patterns and encourages new sources to come forward, creating a powerful body of work with real-world impact.
Related articles
