Gillen Introduces Law Enforcement Mental Health Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Laura Gillen has co-sponsored a bill with Florida representative John Rutherford that seeks to identify barriers to providing mental health counseling to law enforcement officers nationwide, Gillen’s office announced Wednesday.

Per an announcement, Gillen and Rutherford, chair and co-chair of the House Law Enforcement Caucus, respectively, co-sponsored the Officer Wellness and Peer Support Act, which aims to bring peer-to-peer counseling to law enforcement ranks. The counseling, Gillen’s office said, has been shown to generate higher rates of participation and reduce the stigma surrounding seeking help for conditions like depression, PTSD, substance abuse and suicidal ideation.

“Our law enforcement officers, many of whom are veterans, confront traumatic situations in the line of duty and we must do more to support their well-being,” Gillen said. “We have a responsibility to make sure they are supported not only in the field, but also after their shift has ended. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to help reduce mental health stigma, strengthen peer counseling, and ensure more officers get the care they need.”

For his part, Rutherford cited his experience in law enforcement as a motivating factor for why he chose to co-sponsor the bill.

“As a former law enforcement officer, I know firsthand the dangers our officers face every day as they put on their badges, say goodbye to their families, and cross the thin blue line,” Rutherford said. “While officers dedicate their lives to protecting and serving our communities, too often they fail to receive the support they need in return. In 2017, more officers took their lives than were killed in the line of duty, which is a sobering reminder that the job doesn’t end when officers take off their uniform. That is why I am pleased to introduce this legislation with Representative Gillen to support finding solutions and improving access to mental health services for officers nationwide. We must work together to reduce the stigma around asking for help.”

Joining Gillen and Rutherford in announcing the bill were representatives from multiple law enforcement organizations, including National Association of Police Organizations Executive Director Bill Johnson.

“State and local law enforcement officers are our nation’s first responders. They respond to our country’s greatest tragedies, violent crimes, and horrible accidents that are occurring more frequently in our communities. They have seen and experienced horrors that they cannot forget, yet we still expect them each day to protect and serve our communities,” Johnson said. “We must ensure they have the culturally competent, accessible, and confidential mental health services necessary for their wellbeing and reduce the stigma of accessing these vitally important services, which is why we support the Officer Wellness and Peer Support Act. NAPO thanks Representatives Gillen and Rutherford for their leadership and we look forward to working with them to pass this important bill.”

The bill, Gillen’s office said, is endorsed by the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), the Port Authority Police Benevolent Association, the NYPD Sergeant’s Benevolent Association and the National Troopers Union.

“No one who protects our communities should feel like there is nowhere to turn,” Gillen said.