Legislation sponsored by Senator Declan O’Scanlon (R-Monmouth) aimed at supporting mental health crisis intervention services for law enforcement officers and their families has advanced in the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.
“Our bill would expand funding for mental health support and services for law enforcement and their families,” said Sen. O’Scanlon. “The Law Enforcement Officer Crisis Intervention Services Cop 2 Cop telephone hotline program has pioneered suicide prevention and mental health support through various counseling and group services. By establishing and investing in the Cop 2 Cop Stability Fund, we can ensure the stability of this vital program and ensure ongoing support for law enforcement and other first responders who are facing mental and behavioral health challenges.”
The Cop 2 Cop telephone hotline began operating in 2000 as the first program in the United States focused on providing mental health services to law enforcement officers and their families. The new legislation, S-1233, proposes a substantial investment to secure the future of this program by creating the Cop 2 Cop Stability Fund.
“Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities. This bill would make a significant investment to ensure that our brave men and women in Blue have access to resources and mental health services that could save their lives,” Sen. O’Scanlon concluded.
An identical version of this bill was previously moved through committee in May 2024 but needed reintroduction with the start of the new legislative session.
Senator Anthony M. Bucco is also active within New Jersey’s legislative process. According to his official website, Bucco provides constituent services, serves as Senate Republican Leader, chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, participates in both the Senate Judiciary Committee and Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, represents the 25th Legislative District, sponsors legislation, co-sponsors bills, contributes to committee discussions on state issues, and handles legislative inquiries via his district office or email.
