The US federal government’s law enforcement personnel could soon benefit from programs of peer counseling that have long been provided to Nevada’s law enforcement.
The Senator Catherine Marie Cortez Masto-sponsored bill encourages the Office of the Attorney General to adopt the said programs as well as guidelines passed via the United States Senate. The bill will go to the United States House of Representatives.
Masto stated that law enforcement personnel nationwide sacrifice a lot to keep US communities healthy and safe, often while enduring traumatic and challenging situations. A confidential-type peer counseling program offers a mental health outlet that the personnel must have to not only share their life experiences but also relax and get guidance.
The act is based on a recent state law from its Democratic Assemblyman author Mike Sprinkle. That Democratic Party member worked in the capacity of a firefighter/paramedic. Masto’s proposal and Nevada’s law look to achieve the following.
- Address the effects of being an American first responder on one’s mental health.
- Let officers talk about traumatic incidents among themselves in a way that is confidential and that does not make them fear its consequences.
The confidentiality-related rules are not applicable to criminal activity admissions or threats made to others.
Following the passage of this bill in Nevada, Reno’s Police Department has implemented one of the world’s latest peer support programs.
Police Counseling Bill From Cortez Masto Clears United States Senate
