DHS Suicide Prevention and Resiliency for Law Enforcement Act

Mental Health Support for Officers: The establishment of the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Program provides a comprehensive approach to the mental health and wellness of Department law enforcement officers and agents (Section 2(a)(1)(B)(i)).

Increased Awareness and Education: The program promotes education and training related to mental health, resilience, suicide prevention, and stigma to raise awareness and support various personnel (Section 2(a)(1)(B)(v)).

Peer Support Networks: The creation of a Peer-to-Peer Support Program Advisory Council enables the sharing of trained personnel, such as chaplains and peer support members, across Department components (Section 2(a)(1)(B)(vi)).

Support for Families: The bill assists Department components in developing programs to provide suicide prevention, resiliency support, and training for the families of law enforcement officers and agents, as well as surviving families (Section 2(a)(1)(B)(vii)).

Protection Against Retaliation: The bill directs Department components to ensure programs include safeguards against adverse or disciplinary action, such as retaliation or automatic fitness for duty examinations, for officers who self-identify a need for counseling (Section 2(d)(5)).

Improved Access to Counseling: It requires components to offer various avenues for seeking assistance, including access to external mental health clinicians and service animals (Section 2(d)(3)).

Privacy Concerns regarding Data Collection: While the bill includes confidentiality requirements, it involves the collection of data regarding mental health and suicides of officers and agents (Section 2(a)(1)(B)(ii)).

Staffing and Resource Dependencies: The staffing of the Program is subject to appropriations, which may impact the number of employees the Chief Medical Officer can determine necessary (Section 2(a)(1)(D)(ii)).