Dear Representative Miller-Meeks,
I am writing on behalf of the members of the Fraternal Order of Police to advise you of our support for H.R. 9929, the “Corrections Officer Blake Schwarz Suicide Prevention Act.”
Law enforcement officers work in a difficult and dangerous profession that can be taxing on their mental health. This is especially true for those who serve as corrections officers, as they are frequently physically and sexually assaulted by the inmates with whom they interact with every day. Unsurprisingly, these hardworking officers have suicide rates significantly higher than the national average. It is important that these officers, who risk their lives every day, have access to the most comprehensive and timely mental healthcare possible.
Your bill would establish a grant program that would provide funding to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, States, and localities to carry out mental health screenings and provide referrals, where applicable, to mental healthcare providers for those corrections officers who are struggling with their mental health. Improving the mental health of these officers could save their lives. It will also allow them to do their jobs safely and more efficiently and help with officer recruitment and retention.
On behalf of the more than 377,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, I thank you for your leadership on this issue. If I can be of any help or provide additional information in support of this legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me or Executive Director Jim Pasco in our Washington, D.C. office.
Sincerely,
Patrick Yoes
National President