U.S. Senate Unanimously Passes Bipartisan Legislation Cosponsored by Senator Hassan to Prevent Police Suicide

WASHINGTON – During National Police Week, the United States Senate unanimously passed bipartisan legislation Senator Hassan cosponsored to help prevent police suicide. The Supporting and Treating Officers in Crisis, which was introduced by Senators Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) aims to address suicide within the law enforcement community.

“Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect us, and we need to make sure that they know that we have their backs too,” Senator Hassan said. “I am pleased that the Senate unanimously passed this bipartisan legislation to prevent suicide among police officers and to ensure that officers have the resources and behavioral health services they need to thrive.”

The bipartisan Supporting and Treating Officers in Crisis Act restores expired grant funding for law enforcement support services. The legislation also allows grant recipients to use funds to establish suicide-prevention programs and mental health services for law enforcement officers. Companion legislation is currently being considered by the House Judiciary Committee.

The bill has been endorsed by numerous law enforcement and mental health advocacy groups: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, National Sheriffs’ Association, Major County Sheriffs of America, National Association of Police Organizations, National Fraternal Order of Police, Sergeants Benevolent Association of the New York City Police Department, National District Attorneys Association, and International Association of Chiefs of Police.

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