Connecticut Senate Bill SB00708

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/19
• Refer: 1/28/19

Caption

An Act Concerning Mental Health Care And Wellness Training And Suicide Prevention For Police Officers.

Impact

By providing specific protections and mandating wellness training, SB00708 seeks to create a supportive environment for mental health care within law enforcement agencies. The establishment of a list of qualified mental health providers specializing in police needs and the requirement for crisis intervention training represent significant steps towards bolstering officer resilience and addressing issues related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) arising from critical incidents. This could transform the landscape of mental health care practices within police departments across the state.

Summary

SB00708, titled 'An Act Concerning Mental Health Care and Wellness Training and Suicide Prevention for Police Officers,' aims to enhance mental health support for police officers in Connecticut. The bill proposes various provisions that focus on job protections for public safety personnel who seek mental health services, including prohibiting penalties from municipalities or state agencies for seeking such help. Additionally, it outlines protocols for the return of firearms to officers who are undergoing mental health treatment, ensuring they can resume their duties when deemed fit by licensed professionals.

Contention

While the bill garners support for addressing critical issues of mental health in policing, there may be contention regarding the implementation of its provisions and the adequacy of resources allocated for training and support. Concerns about how the bill aligns with existing police training frameworks and local vs state responsibilities in mental health care could arise. Furthermore, discussions about funding and ensuring access to the proposed mental health resources may also become points of contention among lawmakers and advocacy groups.