Support for Local Law Enforcement: Training, Recruitment, and Mental Health
The "Invest to Protect Act" establishes a grant program for local law enforcement agencies with fewer than 175 officers. Its goal is to enhance public safety through improved training, mental health support for officers, and easier recruitment and retention of personnel. Citizens may experience better quality interventions and increased availability of law enforcement services.
Key points
Officer Training: Grants for de-escalation training, handling domestic violence situations, active shooter response, safe handling of illicit substances, and interventions involving individuals with mental health needs, substance use disorders, veterans, disabilities, vulnerable youth, victims of violence, and homeless persons.
Officer Mental Health Support: Funding for access to behavioral health services, including PTSD treatment, peer and family support, and stipends for graduate education in mental health, public health, or social work.
Improved Recruitment and Retention: Grants can be used for signing bonuses and retention bonuses for officers with longer tenure, aiming to attract and retain personnel.
Increased Transparency and Accountability: Implementation of reporting requirements for grant recipients, audits to prevent misuse of funds, and public disclosure of bonus payments.
Introduced
Additional Information
Print number: 119_S_768
Sponsor: Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV]
Process start date: 2025-02-27