NEW JERSEY – Legislation sponsored by Senator Declan O’Scanlon (R-13) to support mental health crisis intervention services for law enforcement officers and their families was advanced by the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.
“In honor of National Police Week, our bill would expand funding for mental health support and services for law enforcement and their families,” said 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 opened in 2000 and is the first program of its kind in the nation that focuses on providing mental health services and support to law enforcement officers and their family.
Senator O’Scanlon’s legislation, S-1075, would make a significant investment in the program and ensure its stability in future years by establishing 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,” O’Scanlon said.
