DHS Suicide Prevention and Resiliency for Law Enforcement Act

Comprehensive Mental Health Support: The Program is designed to address the mental health and wellness of Department of Homeland Security law enforcement agents and officers through a comprehensive approach (Section 2(b)(1)(B)).

Peer Support Networks: The establishment of a Peer-s-to-Peer Support Program Advisory Council will create a network that allows for the sharing of trained personnel, chaplains, and other peer-to-peer personnel across different components (Section 2(b)(1)(C)(vii)(V)).

Reduced Stigma and Increased Awareness: The bill requires component heads to promote a culture that reduces the stigma of seeking mental health assistance through regular messaging and training (Section 2(d)(2)).

Protection Against Career Retaliation: The bill includes requirements for safeguards to prevent adverse actions against employees solely because they self-identify a need for psychological health counseling or assistance (Section 2(d)(5)).

Family Support Services: The bill assists components in developing programs to provide suicide prevention, resiliency support, and training for the families of law enforcement agents and officers, including surviving families (Section 2(b)(1)(C)(viii)).

Anonymity and External Options: The bill promotes offering various avenues for seeking assistance, including through private sources and community organizations, which provide for anonymity (Section 2(d)(3)).

Limitations on Safeguards: While the bill provides safeguards against adverse actions for seeking help, it explicitly states that these safeguards do not prevent a component from referring an employee for evaluation of their ability to meet medical/psychological standards or national security eligibility (Section 2(d)(6)).

Staffing Dependencies: The establishment of the necessary personnel for the Program is subject to appropriations (Section 2(b)(1)(E)(ii)).