The SERVICE Act of 2025 authorizes the Attorney General, through the Director of the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, to operate a five-year pilot program. This program will provide grants to States, units of local government, and Indian Tribal governments to establish and operate veterans response teams within their law enforcement agencies. The primary goal is to enhance law enforcement's ability to respond to and support veterans, especially those in crisis, by fostering better communication and specialized care. These veterans response teams may engage in various activities, including providing law enforcement officers who are veterans with identifying pins, utilizing the Department of Veterans Affairs' Re-Entry Search Service, and establishing communication with VA and other community resource agencies. Key provisions include training officers on mental health issues related to military service like PTSD and TBI, organizing 24/7 volunteer first responder teams for veterans in crisis, and developing plans to measure success and track best practices. The bill also outlines the creation process for these teams, involving passionate officers and community members, and requires the Attorney General to report to Congress on the program's progress and outcomes.
The SERVICE Act of 2025 authorizes the Attorney General, through the Director of the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, to operate a five-year pilot program. This program will provide grants to States, units of local government, and Indian Tribal governments to establish and operate veterans response teams within their law enforcement agencies. The primary goal is to enhance law enforcement's ability to respond to and support veterans, especially those in crisis, by fostering better communication and specialized care. These veterans response teams may engage in various activities, including providing law enforcement officers who are veterans with identifying pins, utilizing the Department of Veterans Affairs' Re-Entry Search Service, and establishing communication with VA and other community resource agencies. Key provisions include training officers on mental health issues related to military service like PTSD and TBI, organizing 24/7 volunteer first responder teams for veterans in crisis, and developing plans to measure success and track best practices. The bill also outlines the creation process for these teams, involving passionate officers and community members, and requires the Attorney General to report to Congress on the program's progress and outcomes.