Legislation aimed at bolstering mental health crisis intervention services for law enforcement officers and their families has been advanced by the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee. The bill, sponsored by Senator Declan O’Scanlon (R-13), seeks to expand funding for these critical services.
“In honor of National Police Week, 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.”
Launched in 2000, the Cop 2 Cop telephone hotline was the nation’s first program dedicated to providing mental health services to law enforcement officers and their families. Sen. O’Scanlon’s legislation, S-1075, aims to make a significant investment in this pioneering program by establishing the Cop 2 Cop Stability Fund, thereby ensuring its continued operation in future years.
“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,” concluded Sen. O’Scanlon.
For further information or discussion regarding this legislation with Sen. O’Scanlon, please contact Chris Sivel, SRO Deputy Director of Communications at [email protected].
