Legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Susan Brooks (R-IN) to provide resources that help local police departments address mental health challenges resulting from occupational stress cleared the House Judiciary Committee last week.
The Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act of 2017, H.R. 2228, would also establish grants to implement peer mentoring pilot programs, to help train mental health providers to meet officers’ needs, and to explore the effectiveness of crisis hotlines and regular mental health checks.
“Members of our law enforcement deal with the unthinkable daily when working to keep us safe, and face situations that can be hard to process and impossible to forget,” Brooks said. “It is imperative that these first responders and police officers, who risk being shot at on the job or experience disturbing and horrific scenes when responding to emergency calls, are better equipped to manage severe stress and anxiety that can arise when dealing with these situations.”
Brooks noted research showing that occupational stress for law enforcement officers can lead to higher rates of heart disease, alcohol abuse, depression and anxiety disorders.
U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, applauded passage of the bill and said the nation’s police officers have one of the toughest jobs in the country.
“Every day, they risk their lives to keep the peace and protect our neighborhoods from criminals,” Goodlatte said. “Due to the stressful nature of their occupations, law enforcement officers need better access to mental health services to improve their health and help alleviate the anxiety that is a byproduct of their jobs.”
“I thank Congresswoman Brooks for her work on this bipartisan bill and call on the House to take it up without delay,” Goodlatte said.
Brooks introduced the bill along with U.S. Reps. Val Demings (D-FL), Doug Collins (R-GA), Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) and Dave Reichert (R-WA).