ATLANTA, Ga. (CW69 Information at 10) — Throughout U.S. Legal professional Normal Merrick Garland’s go to to Atlanta, he delivered a speech on supporting officers’ psychological well being and security, and he mentioned grants from the Division of Justice that can go towards these targets.
As law enforcement officials encounter extra individuals with psychological well being points, a lot of them battle psychological well being problems with their very own, introduced on by the hazards they face when responding to calls.
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Garland addressed the difficulty on the Worldwide Affiliation of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Officer Security and Wellness Symposium on March 16, 2022. “I do know that the impression of responding to a troublesome name stays with you,” he mentioned.
He referenced tragedies just like the 1995 Oklahoma Metropolis bombing that killed 168 individuals. The 911 assaults that killed roughly 3,000 individuals additionally come to thoughts for a lot of officers, however the dangers they take day-to-day usually threaten their psychological well being and security.
“Legislation enforcement officers are the Justice Division’s indispensable companions, and we all know that we can not do our jobs efficiently in the event you can not do yours safely,” mentioned Garland.
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Garland introduced how the DOJ is partnering with legislation enforcement businesses across the nation. “I’m happy that, earlier this week, the COPS Workplace launched the division’s solicitation for this yr’s Legislation Enforcement and Wellness Act grants to help $7 million in suicide prevention and different psychological well being initiatives,” mentioned Garland. COPS is the Workplace of Neighborhood-Oriented Policing Companies on the Division of Justice.
Garland additionally mentioned a $2 million grant will fund plans for a consortium on stopping legislation enforcement suicide, and a $1.5 million grant will assist tackle officers’ wellness. “I do wish to reiterate our dedication to offering you with the help that you just want,” he mentioned.
He says it’s about ensuring officers have the assets they should do their jobs safely.
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In line with a press launch, by Legislation Officer Wellness and Psychological Well being grants, the COP Workplace has issued over $13 million in grants to legislation enforcement officers and their households.
