This bill mandates that law enforcement officers involved in a deadly use of force incident must be placed on paid administrative leave for 45 days and attend mandatory mental health counseling or therapy. The bill defines a "deadly use of force incident" as one where an officer's physical force results in a person's death and outlines the responsibilities of law enforcement agencies following such incidents. Officers are required to receive professional mental health support for a minimum of 90 days, with the possibility of extending this period if recommended by their mental health provider.
Additionally, the bill stipulates that officers must regularly attend therapy during their leave and must be cleared by a licensed mental health professional before returning to active duty. It is important to note that this requirement does not apply if the officer is facing criminal charges related to the incident. The new section added to the Arkansas Code provides a structured approach to ensure the mental well-being of officers involved in these critical situations.