Dear Senator Fischer,
I am writing on behalf of the members of the Fraternal Order of Police to advise you of our
support for S. 4486, a bill that would establish an online dashboard for Federal funding related to
mental health programs.
A law enforcement officer’s duties have expanded over the years to encompass more than only
protecting the public. Now officers are also expected to be therapists, addiction specialists, and
mental health experts. Additionally, County jails and State prisons are the nation’s largest
provider of mental health services. It is clear that all law enforcement agencies are now faced
with providing mental health services and must find the resources to do this.
Your legislation would create an online dashboard that would allow the public to see Federal
grant information related to mental health programs. It would also allow law enforcement
agencies to be consulted during the process of establishing the dashboard. By creating a userfriendly and publicly assessable website law enforcement agencies and State and local prisons
will be able to access information about federal mental health grants faster and more efficiently.
Consequently, mental health services will be able to get to inmates and the public sooner.
On behalf of the more than 355,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, I am proud to
offer our support for this legislation. If I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to
contact me or Executive Director Jim Pasco in my Washington office.
Sincerely,
Patrick Yoes
National President