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DHS Suicide Prevention and Resiliency for Law Enforcement Act
12/12/2023, 6:26 AM
Summary of Bill HR 2577
The key provisions of the bill include the establishment of a mental health and wellness program within the DHS that will provide training, resources, and support for law enforcement officers. This program will focus on promoting mental health awareness, preventing suicide, and building resilience among officers. Additionally, the bill calls for the development of a peer support program to allow officers to seek help and guidance from their colleagues who have undergone similar experiences.
Furthermore, the bill requires the DHS to conduct a comprehensive study on the mental health and well-being of law enforcement officers within the department. This study will assess the prevalence of mental health issues, suicide rates, and the effectiveness of current mental health programs. The findings of this study will inform future efforts to improve mental health support for law enforcement officers. Overall, the DHS Suicide Prevention and Resiliency for Law Enforcement Act aims to prioritize the mental health and well-being of law enforcement officers within the DHS and provide them with the necessary resources and support to cope with the challenges of their job. By addressing these issues, the bill seeks to reduce the prevalence of mental health issues and suicide among law enforcement officers and promote a culture of resilience and well-being within the department.
Congressional Summary of HR 2577
DHS Suicide Prevention and Resiliency for Law Enforcement Act
This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Program and establishes additional requirements for related existing programs.
Among other activities, the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Program shall
- conduct data collection and research on mental health, suicides, and attempted suicides of DHS law enforcement officers and agents;
- evaluate current mental health and resiliency programs within DHS components;
- promote education and training related to mental health, resilience, suicide prevention, stigma, and mental health resources;
- establish a Peer-to-Peer Support Program Advisory Council; and
- assist DHS components in developing a program to provide suicide prevention and resiliency support and training for families of DHS law enforcement officers and agents and for surviving families of officers and agents who have been lost to suicide.
The bill requires DHS components to prioritize and improve their mental health and wellness programs.
The DHS Workplace Health and Wellness Program must assess the effectiveness of DHS law enforcement health and wellness programs. Each DHS component must report to the program incidents of suicide involving law enforcement officers or agents. The bill sets forth confidentiality limitations on the publication and collection of personally identifiable information.





