Bipartisan Bill to Prevent Officer Suicide Signed into Law

Washington, D.C. — Today, bipartisan legislation was signed into law that will restore grant funding for law enforcement support services and allow grant recipients to use funds to establish suicide-prevention programs and mental health services for law enforcement officers.  The Supporting and Treating Officers in Crisis Act was introduced by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) earlier this year, and the Senate unanimously passed their bill in May during National Police Week.

“Every day across the country, law enforcement officers put their lives on the line, endure enormous pressure, and witness unimaginable tragedies in the line of duty to keep our communities safe,” said Senator Collins.  “We owe these brave men and women more than just our gratitude.  This bipartisan bill will provide with the resources they need to ensure their wellbeing and mental health.”

Suicide is the number one cause of death for police officers in the United States. Current grant programs do not allow for funds to be used for suicide prevention efforts, mental health screenings, or training to identify officers at risk.  This legislation restores and expands grant funding for these law enforcement support services.

The Supporting and Training Officers in Crisis Act has been endorsed by many of the nation’s top law enforcement and mental health advocacy groups, including the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the National Sheriffs’ Association, the Major County Sheriffs of America, the National Association of Police Organizations, the National Fraternal Order of Police, the Sergeants Benevolent Association of the New York City Police Department, the National District Attorneys Association, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

In addition to Senators Collins, Hawley, and Whitehouse, the bill was cosponsored by Senators Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Corey Gardner (R-Colo.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Shelley Moore Capito (R- W. Va.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Martha McSally (R-Ariz.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H).