New Jersey Senate Bill S764

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Requires Police Training Commission to contract with crisis intervention training center to provide mental health training to police officers and establish curriculum specific to persons experiencing economic crisis or substance use disorder.

Impact

The bill is positioned to significantly influence the framework of police training across the state. By mandating mental health training as part of the standard curriculum for officers, the legislation aims to foster a more compassionate and educated police force. This is seen as a critical adjustment to enhance the interaction between law enforcement and vulnerable individuals, potentially reducing the number of confrontations that escalate due to misunderstandings of mental health issues.

Summary

Bill S764 requires the Police Training Commission to collaborate with a crisis intervention training center to provide crucial mental health training for law enforcement officers in New Jersey. This initiative aims to equip police officers with skills to effectively handle situations involving individuals experiencing economic hardships or struggling with substance use disorders. The curriculum developed under this bill will focus on applying the Crisis Intervention Team model, an approach originally designed to improve responses during psychiatric crises as pioneered by the Memphis Police Department.

Contention

While proponents of S764 argue that this legislation will improve police responses and community relations, there may be some contention regarding the implementation logistics and training effectiveness. Critics might question the adequacy of funding for such programs, and whether existing training structures can be adapted to accommodate these new requirements. There are also concerns about the ongoing support and resources available to sustain these training programs over time.