Show-Me State Times

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley and the Senate Judiciary Committee have voted to reauthorize the Support and Treatment for Officers in Crisis Act (STOIC Act). This legislation allocates $7.5 million annually for law enforcement family-support services, suicide-prevention programs, and mental health services for officers through 2029. The bill aims to support police officers and first responders dealing with substance abuse, depression, or other mental health issues.

Senator Hawley emphasized the importance of supporting those who protect public safety: “There is no profession more deserving of our support than one that keeps our streets safe,” he said. He highlighted the need for mental health resources as first responders face daily trauma: "Our law enforcement officers bear witness to traumatizing and heartbreaking situations on a daily basis. They need to know they have our full support.”

A 2024 survey revealed significant mental health challenges among police officers, with 40% experiencing a "near miss" incident due to stress and fatigue, while 16% had suicidal thoughts in the past year. Other findings included trouble sleeping reported by 70% of respondents, depression by 39%, panic or anxiety symptoms by 36%, and PTSD by 35%. Additionally, half of the officers felt unprepared to manage job-related mental health aspects, though three-quarters believed seeking help could alleviate work-related stress.

The STOIC Act's reauthorization includes provisions such as:

- Allocating $7.5 million annually for family-support services, suicide prevention, and mental health services until 2029.

- Directing the Attorney General to provide training programs and technical assistance on mental health and suicide prevention.

- Requiring grant recipients to offer at least one support program focused on reducing stress, preventing suicide, and promoting mental health.

- Allowing specialized training for identifying and responding to officer mental health crises.