Bill would require first responders to complete mental health awareness training
This is a wonderful start to police reform with the work externally. Now lets start with the work internally by making it a safe place for officers to report fellow officers misconduct without fear of retaliation. The conversation also needs to begin within departments not looking down on officers who seek out therapy and covering the cost for them. From my research, only after a “critical incident” officers are mandated to speak to a mental health professional. From what I read, officer’s will pay out the pocket so their insurance is not flagged and the officer could potentially lose their jobs if the department found out. Everyday men and women of law enforcement put their lives on the line to protect and serve. This fact alone is a mental challenge.
