WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Josh Hawley (R-MO) have introduced bipartisan legislation to increase mental health resources for law enforcement personnel at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). If passed, the legislation would create the DHS Law Enforcement Mental Health and Resiliency Program to oversee and streamline the delivery of enhanced mental health and wellness services for DHS law enforcement officers and agents.
“Congress must ensure that law enforcement personnel at the Department of Homeland Security have the support they need,” said Senator Peters. “This commonsense, bipartisan bill will ensure that critical mental health resources are available to DHS’s law enforcement professionals.”
“Congress must continue to invest in those who are working to secure our country and reclaim its borders. Expanding mental health resources for law enforcement at the Department of Homeland Security will bolster support for agency employees in their line of duty,” said Senator Hawley.
The DHS Suicide Prevention and Resiliency for Law Enforcement Act will establish a Law Enforcement Mental Health and Resiliency Program within DHS. The program will provide additional oversight, guidance, and resources to DHS components that perform law enforcement duties. The bill would also require DHS components to prioritize mental health, well-being, resilience, and suicide prevention programs. This bill would require each DHS component to assign a representative to the program to ensure the sharing of best practices and resources across the Department. The bill would also require the review and revision of current policies to improve mental health and wellness programs and training and reduce the stigma of seeking mental health assistance.
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