In the wake of the 9th New York Police Department (NYPD) officer to die by suicide this year, Legislator Laura Schaefer and the Nassau County Legislative Majority joined with members of the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association (PBA), Detectives Association (DAI), and Sheriff's Corrections Officers Benevolent Association (COBA) to announce a bill that will give officers greater access to mental health resources.
The legislation, which will be heard at the next meeting of the Legislature, includes:
- The creation, within the Nassau County Police Department (NCPD) and Department of Corrections, of an Office of Mental Health and Wellness.
- The creation of a liaison between the NYPD and NCPD to better serve NYPD officers residing in Nassau County.
- The establishment of a mental health action plan, to be evaluated by the Nassau County Police Department/ Department of Corrections annually, to examine the mental health policy and procedures and provide the opportunity for added resources to the Departments.
- The creation of a smartphone application with various mental health resources.
- The formation of peer support groups for Police and Corrections Officers.
- The provision of in-service wellness training and resources for all Nassau County Police and Corrections Officers for a minimum of one-hour per calendar year.
“Although there have not been any suicides committed by members of our Nassau County Police Department over the last few years, the stress of their jobs and the chaotic work conditions still pose an ever present danger to them,” Legislator Schaefer said. “Self-care and positive mental health are critical, especially for our police and corrections officers and this bill will provide for the implementation of additional resources for our officers to access whenever they may need to. Our officers put their lives on the line to keep us safe and they deserve any assistance we can provide to them.”