The "DHS Suicide Prevention and Resiliency for Law Enforcement Act" amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Program within the Department of Homeland Security. This program, situated under the Chief Medical Officer, is designed to offer a comprehensive strategy for addressing the mental health and well-being of law enforcement officers and agents across various DHS components. Its primary goals include enhancing suicide prevention efforts and fostering resilience among these personnel. The program will develop policies, conduct data collection and research on mental health and suicides, and evaluate existing departmental wellness initiatives. It is mandated to promote education and training on mental health, resilience, and suicide prevention, actively working to reduce the stigma associated with seeking assistance. A significant provision involves establishing a Peer-to-Peer Support Program Advisory Council to evaluate and improve peer support programs across DHS components, facilitating the sharing of best practices and ensuring sustained funding for training. Heads of DHS components are required to prioritize and enhance their mental health programs by allocating sufficient resources and providing diverse avenues for assistance, including anonymous and private options. A critical aspect is the implementation of safeguards to prevent adverse or disciplinary actions against officers who seek psychological counseling. The bill also mandates regular suicide awareness and resiliency training for officers, offered at various career stages, and extends support services to their families. Finally, the program includes robust data collection and evaluation mechanisms, such as annual confidential surveys and incident reporting, all while strictly protecting personally identifiable information.
Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
Government Operations and Politics
DHS Suicide Prevention and Resiliency for Law Enforcement Act
USA119th CongressHR-6548| House
| Updated: 12/10/2025
The "DHS Suicide Prevention and Resiliency for Law Enforcement Act" amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Program within the Department of Homeland Security. This program, situated under the Chief Medical Officer, is designed to offer a comprehensive strategy for addressing the mental health and well-being of law enforcement officers and agents across various DHS components. Its primary goals include enhancing suicide prevention efforts and fostering resilience among these personnel. The program will develop policies, conduct data collection and research on mental health and suicides, and evaluate existing departmental wellness initiatives. It is mandated to promote education and training on mental health, resilience, and suicide prevention, actively working to reduce the stigma associated with seeking assistance. A significant provision involves establishing a Peer-to-Peer Support Program Advisory Council to evaluate and improve peer support programs across DHS components, facilitating the sharing of best practices and ensuring sustained funding for training. Heads of DHS components are required to prioritize and enhance their mental health programs by allocating sufficient resources and providing diverse avenues for assistance, including anonymous and private options. A critical aspect is the implementation of safeguards to prevent adverse or disciplinary actions against officers who seek psychological counseling. The bill also mandates regular suicide awareness and resiliency training for officers, offered at various career stages, and extends support services to their families. Finally, the program includes robust data collection and evaluation mechanisms, such as annual confidential surveys and incident reporting, all while strictly protecting personally identifiable information.