September 7, 2023 - WASHINGTON  – Reresentative Josh Harder has reintroduced his Supporting the Health and Safety of Law Enforcement Act, which would create a new grant program to increase coordination between community mental health centers and law enforcement officers on mental health issues, including homelessness and public safety. Those experiencing mental health issues face an increased risk for homelessness, as they may be more susceptible to factors such as poverty and isolation. Increased coordination between law enforcement and mental health professionals would guarantee safer responses in these instances. Harder’s bill is supported by the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office and the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC), the largest law enforcement organization in California. The International Society of Psychiatric Nurses, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Mental Health Counselors Association, Anxiety and Depression Association of America, and Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance have also endorsed the legislation.

“Our local police departments are stretched thin, and it’s clear they need more resources, especially since they are responding to more and more incidents related to mental health,” said Representative Harder. “My bill would provide new grants for our police to work side by side with mental health professionals when responding to mental health crises. Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day, and we need to make sure they have the resources they need to do their jobs effectively and safely. In turn, we’ll keep more folks off the streets and make our communities safer.”

“Unfortunately, despite all the training peace officers receive, they are not equipped to serve as mental health professionals or social workers. And yet, they are forced to occupy those roles because there really is no workable alternative,” said Brian Marvel, President of the Peace Officers Research Association of California. “Representative Harder’s Supporting the Health and Safety of Law Enforcement Act would establish that workable alternative. By providing grant funding to community health centers who can help pair mental health clinicians with law enforcement agencies, this bill will enhance public safety by bringing together social workers and peace officers in responding to calls related to mental health emergencies.”

“This Bill, in conjunction with de-escalation efforts, will act as a force multiplier and will dramatically increase the probability of a safe resolution for first responders, clinicians, the public, and those in crisis,” said San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow. To this end, I am in full support. [TheSupporting the Health and Safety of Law Enforcement Act] would proactively embed mental health clinicians and social workers with law enforcement, allowing them to respond in real-time to those in crisis. As you know, not all law enforcement contact is criminal in nature and [this] bill will save valuable time and bridge the gap between clinician/social worker security and law enforcement's need for their expertise.”

A full copy of the Sheriff Withrow’s letter of support can be found here.

The Supporting the Health and Safety of Law Enforcement Act would establish a three-year pilot program through the Department of Justice (DOJ) to provide grant funding up to $300,000 over three years to facilitate closer coordination between community mental health centers and law enforcement. Following the pilot program, the DOJ would be required to issue a report to Congress regarding the program's effectiveness.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, two million people with mental health issues are booked into jail every year and nearly 15% of men and 30% of women booked into jails have a serious mental health condition. 

A copy of the bill can be found here.
Source: Congressman Josh Harder