LEO Mental Health and Wellness Act

H.R. 2228 the “Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act of 2017” was signed into law January 10, 2018.

Our courageous #policeofficers will now get better access to the care they deserve w/#HR2228, the Law Enforcement Mental Health & Wellness Act of 2017. Read more >> https://t.co/5hSLMyuUwV

— Susan W. Brooks (@SusanWBrooks) November 29, 2017

“Researchers and #LawEnforcement have begun to explore another groundbreaking initiative to combat officer stress and build resiliency: the practice of #mindfulness.” Learn more in the #CPDispatch: https://t.co/3l15p4roQ5 pic.twitter.com/eWmtRxsGEZ

— COPS Office (@COPSOffice) December 19, 2017

Here is a basic outline of the Act's text:

H.R. 2228 “Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act of 2017”

Section 1: Short Title

• Act may be cited as the “Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act of 2017”

Section 2: Support for Law Enforcement Agencies

a. Consultation, Public Information

• The AG to consult with Sec of Defense and Sec of Veterans Affairs
• Shall submit a report to Congress, to be made public, on DoD and Dept of Veterans Affairs mental health practices and services that could be adopted by Federal, State, local, or tribal law enforcement agencies

b. Case Studies

• Director of the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS)
• Shall submit a report to Congress similar to the report “Health, Safety, and Wellness Program Case Studies in Law Enforcement” published by COPS in 2015
• That focuses on case studies of programs designed to address officer psychological health and well-being

c. Peer Mentoring Pilot Program

• Amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968
• Add “to establish peer mentoring mental health and wellness pilot programs within State, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies”

Section 3: Support for Mental Health Providers

• The AG in coordination with the Sec of HHS
• Shall develop resources to educate mental health providers about the culture of Federal, State, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies 
• And evidence-based therapies for mental health issues common to these officers

Section 4: Support for Officers

1. The AG shall in consultation with Federal State, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies
a. Review

• Identify and review effectiveness of any existing crisis hotlines for law enforcement officers

b. Provide recommendations to Congress

• Whether Federal support for existing crisis hotlines or creation of alternative hotline would improve effectiveness of hotline use

c. Conduct research into efficacy of annual mental health check for law enforcement officers

2. In consultation with Sec of Homeland Security and other federal agencies

• Examine mental health and wellness needs of Federal law enforcement officers
• Including the efficacy of expanding peer mentoring programs

3. Privacy

• Ensure any recommendations, resources or programs provided under this Act
• Protect the privacy of participating law enforcement officers

4. Deadline, Reports

• No later than 1 year after date of enactment of this Act
• Submit a report to Congress containing findings from the review and research under paragraphs 1 and 2
• And final recommendations based upon those findings

Related articles:
Police One: "Improving officer wellness: Funding initiatives for mental health support"
by Therese Matthews, a grant professional with over 25 years of experience in grant writing, grants management and program development