INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 7, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Police officers remain at greater risk of
developing serious mental health issues like Post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD). It is estimated that U.S. officers are two to four
times more likely to suffer from PTSD than the general population.
Given that the law enforcement community tends to suffer in
silence, these numbers may be even higher.
The First Responders Wellness Act (S.4892), introduced by Sens.
Kirsten Gillibrand (NY) and
Josh Hawley (MO) in July and since
referred to the Judiciary Committee, helps address this need. S.
4892 would amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of
1968 to expand mental health services for police officers and
other first responders. The bill's text can be found here.
The foundations of the First Responders Wellness Act are:
- The development of professional programs that provide
confidential and independent mental health services;
- An increase in the number of mental health providers made
available;
- The creation of a mental health hotline dedicated to providing
peer support, information, and brief intervention services.
"Expanding mental health and wellness services to law
enforcement officers is critical, especially at a time when they're
navigating a complex landscape," said Paula
Fitzsimmons, Legislative Director of the National Police
Association. "Given that PTSD and other forms of mental illness can
result in symptoms that impact an officer's ability to perform
optimally, the tools that this bill supports are also imperative to
the public's safety."
It's not just the inherent demands of policing that contribute
to this scenario. Officers are experiencing burnout stemming from
an ongoing police staffing shortage that requires them to work
unforgiving hours. This is occurring as they respond to an
increased number of high-stakes calls for service. Exacerbating
this dynamic are feelings of demoralization, betrayal, and lack of
support by members of the public, elected officials, and even
leadership from within their own agencies.
We urge members of Congress to co-sponsor the First Responders
Wellness Act, as well as other bills that are supportive of law
enforcement and promote officer morale. Among these are the Protect
and Serve Act, which would make it a federal crime to knowingly
target police officers; and the Local Law Enforcement Protection
Act, which would protect qualified immunity protections.
We also urge elected officials to practice speaking out for
police officers when they need it most. Meaningful expressions of
public support help promote officer wellness.
The National Police Association is grateful to Sens. Gillibrand
and Hawley for introducing this important bill and looks forward to
it becoming law.
About the National Police Association: The National Police
Association is a 501(c)3 non-profit Educational/Advocacy
organization. For additional information
visit NationalPolice.org
Media Contact:
Tim Livingston
567.245.5128
381471@email4pr.com
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SOURCE National Police Association