Reps. Gillen, Rutherford Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Support Law Enforcement Mental Health

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congresswoman Laura Gillen (D-NY-04), member of the House Law Enforcement Caucus, and Congressman John Rutherford (R-FL-05), Caucus Co-Chair, introduced the Officer Wellness and Peer Support Act, bipartisan legislation to identify barriers to mental health support for law enforcement officers across the country. The bill would help highlight the benefits of peer-to-peer counseling, which is shown to have higher participation and may reduce stigma associated with support for depression, PTSD, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation.

The bill directs the U.S. Attorney General, in consultation with the Directors of the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), to provide Congress with effective strategies and best practices to:

• Reduce stigma related to mental health among law enforcement,
• Encourage officers to access screening and peer-to-peer counseling and
• Ensure confidentiality for officers seeking care.

"Our law enforcement officers, many of whom are veterans, confront traumatic situations in the line of duty and we must do more to support their well-being," said Rep. Gillen. "We have a responsibility to make sure they are supported not only in the field, but also after their shift has ended. I'm proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to help reduce mental health stigma, strengthen peer counseling, and ensure more officers get the care they need. No one who protects our communities should feel like there is nowhere to turn."

"As a former law enforcement officer, I know firsthand the dangers our officers face every day as they put on their badges, say goodbye to their families, and cross the thin blue line," said Rep. Rutherford. "While officers dedicate their lives to protecting and serving our communities, too often they fail to receive the support they need in return. In 2017, more officers took their lives than were killed in the line of duty, which is a sobering reminder that the job doesn't end when officers take off their uniform. That is why I am pleased to introduce this legislation with Representative Gillen to support finding solutions and improving access to mental health services for officers nationwide. We must work together to reduce the stigma around asking for help."

"State and local law enforcement officers are our nation's first responders. They respond to our country's greatest tragedies, violent crimes, and horrible accidents that are occurring more frequently in our communities. They have seen and experienced horrors that they cannot forget, yet we still expect them each day to protect and serve our communities," said National Association of Police Organizations Executive Director Bill Johnson. "We must ensure they have the culturally competent, accessible, and confidential mental health services necessary for their wellbeing and reduce the stigma of accessing these vitally important services, which is why we support the Officer Wellness and Peer Support Act. NAPO thanks Representatives Gillen and Rutherford for their leadership and we look forward to working with them to pass this important bill."

"On behalf of the Executive Board and the entire Membership of the Port Authority Police Benevolent Association, I truly appreciate and respect Congresswoman Gillen's recognition of not only the work that police officers do nationwide on a daily basis, but the inevitable associated costs and consequences incurred by those who choose this profession. I thank her for her understanding of the desperate need of vital mental health services, without stigma, judgment, or repercussion," said Frank Conti, President of the Port Authority Police Benevolent Association.

"The Officer Wellness and Peer Support Act is an important bipartisan step toward supporting the mental health and well-being of the men and women in law enforcement. Officers face extraordinary stress and trauma in the line of duty, yet stigma and concerns about confidentiality too often prevent them from seeking help. By promoting peer-to-peer counseling, strengthening confidentiality protections, and identifying best practices to encourage officers to access mental health resources, this legislation will help ensure law enforcement officers receive the support they need to continue serving their communities safely and effectively. NTC thanks Rep. Gillen (NY-04) and Rep. Rutherford (FL-05) for their leadership on this important legislation," said Nate Johnson, Chairman of the National Troopers Coalition (NTC).

The bill is endorsed by the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), the Port Authority Police Benevolent Association, the NYPD Sergeant's Benevolent Association and the National Troopers Union.

Since taking office, Rep. Gillen has been a strong advocate for law enforcement. As a member of the Law Enforcement Caucus, Gillen has cosponsored the Protect and Serve Act, Invest to Protect Act and the HERO Act, which aims to improve the detection, prevention, and treatment of mental health issues among public safety officers. Rep. Gillen also recently announced over $1 million in federal funding for the Village of Rockville Centre to install high-grade security cameras, helping the Rockville Centre Police Department protect residents and businesses. She continues to advocate for greater funding through the federal appropriations process for police departments across NY-04.

###