School resource officers; require to undergo Mental Health First Aid training.
Impact
The bill introduces the Mississippi Community Oriented Policing Services in Schools (MCOPS) program, which will provide funding for additional SROs to engage in community policing. The funding is aimed at enhancing the relationship between police and school communities while combating school violence through educational programs and safety initiatives. SROs, who will be incentivized by state contributions, are expected to spend the majority of their time working directly within primary and secondary schools, allowing for a more robust law enforcement presence dedicated to student safety.
Summary
House Bill 567 aims to enhance school safety in Mississippi by requiring local school districts and law enforcement agencies that employ school resource officers (SROs) to provide mental health first aid training to those individuals. This training must be evidence-based and approved by the Department of Mental Health, ensuring that SROs are adequately prepared to handle mental health emergencies within the school environment. By mandating this training, the bill seeks to create a more supportive environment for students, promoting well-being and effective crisis management in educational settings.
Contention
Although the bill is largely supported for its potential to bolster school safety, concerns about how effectively it may address mental health issues have been raised. Some lawmakers argue that the bill should emphasize comprehensive mental health resources beyond training. The balance of ensuring adequate funding for mental health initiatives alongside law enforcement presence is a point of discussion. Additionally, there may be apprehension regarding the implications of an increased police presence in schools and its impact on the student experience.
Implementation
If passed, the bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, allowing adequate preparation time for school districts and law enforcement agencies to comply. The State Department of Education will be responsible for creating guidelines on the use of the funding, the application process for participating schools, and the administration of the MCOPS program. This structured rollout aims to ensure that the initiatives supported by the bill are effectively integrated into the existing educational and law enforcement frameworks within the state.
"Mississippi School Resource Officers School Safety (MS ROSS) Act"; create to provide funding to local law enforcement agencies for the employment of SROs.