Grants for 24/7 Crisis Response Teams Supporting Veterans in Law Enforcement.
This act establishes a pilot program authorizing grants for local law enforcement agencies to create specialized Veterans Response Teams (VRTs). The goal is to ensure veterans in crisis receive immediate support, train officers on military-related mental health issues, and quickly connect veterans with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) services. This aims to provide veterans in distress, including those entering the justice system, with support rather than a standard police response.
Key points
Local police agencies can receive funding to establish 24/7 volunteer teams dedicated to responding to calls involving veterans in crisis.
Teams will coordinate with VA offices and veterans courts to ensure veterans entering the justice system are identified and linked to appropriate services and treatment.
Law enforcement officers will receive specialized training on mental health issues common among veterans, such as PTSD and traumatic brain injury.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_8140
Sponsor: Rep. Strong, Dale W. [R-AL-5]
Process start date: 2024-04-26