The proposed bill, known as the Craig Tiger Act, mandates that each county in New Jersey establish a crisis intervention services program for law enforcement officers, firefighters, and sheriff's officers. This program is designed to provide debriefing and counseling services for individuals involved in incidents that may lead to psychological distress. The bill expands eligibility for these services to include volunteer firefighters and 9-1-1 first responder dispatchers, and it stipulates that officers from State departments or agencies can access services if they reside or work in the county. The definition of a critical incident has also been broadened to encompass various traumatic experiences, including witnessing death or serious injury and involvement in investigations of dangerous crimes against children.

Additionally, the bill prohibits employers from requiring officers or firefighters to use accrued leave when attending counseling sessions and ensures that those deemed unfit for duty during treatment will not lose pay or benefits for up to 30 days, provided certain conditions are met. The program will offer up to 12 counseling sessions, with the possibility of an additional 24 if deemed necessary by the provider. Each county is required to form a crisis intervention services advisory council to oversee the program and collect data, which must be reported annually to the Department of Community Affairs. The State will reimburse counties for the costs associated with establishing these programs.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 40A:14-195, 40A:14-196, 40A:14-197, 40A:14-198