Existing law currently provides for peer support members to help law enforcement officers in need of emotional and moral support caused by job-related stress or a particular incident in the line of duty. This bill would require the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency to set up a program to educate and provide resources to law enforcement officers who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), in cooperation with county and municipal law enforcement agencies. This bill would also require law enforcement agencies and departments to provide financial assistance to officers to meet cost-sharing obligations for insurance benefits for PTSD treatment, to reimburse officers for mileage for traveling to treatment appointments, and paid leave for time off work for PTSD treatment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: DSM-5-TR, 36-21-14