Joined by our police leaders and bill sponsors, today Governor Hochul signed bill A6721A/S6244A, sponsored by Assemblywoman Griffin and Senator Skoufis, which passed both houses of the Legislature in June of this year.

Assemblywoman Griffin said “Police officers put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities, yet too often they do not receive the essential mental health support they need by nature of their profession. This can exact a toll, both professionally and personally.”

Tommy Shevlin, President of Nassau County PBA, and police organizations Statewide have discussed this major issue with her, sharing how the repetitive trauma experienced in the aftermath of imminent danger, violence, and loss of life associated with emergency response operations is well documented and can have a serious impact on their well-being.

Assemblywoman Griffin said, “I was honored to carry this legislation to establish a formal peer-to-peer mental health program for our police. This bill is about supporting the men and women who protect us every day by ensuring that they have the mental health resources they need to effectively serve communities across the state.”

Sadly, suicide rates for police officers are much higher than other professions. In fact, statistics show law enforcement officers are 54 percent more likely to commit suicide than the general population. This legislation will help end the stigma associated with asking for help, by allowing confidential peer support counseling. We know that mental health support works best when the individual seeking help feels validated and secure. In the police community, fellow officers know the professional stressors best, and have shared experiences. Allowing trained police officers to serve as peer support specialists will encourage more officers to seek help when they need it.

Assemblywoman Griffin stated, “I am proud that we have passed this legislation, and that today the Governor is signing this bill, in memory of Lieutenant Joseph T. Banish, a State Trooper who died by suicide.”

Assemblywoman Griffin thanked Jim Banish, brother of Joseph T. Banish, Founder and President of NYLEAP for his advocacy, leadership and action. Additionally, she thanked the Governor for signing this bill, her partner in the Senate, Senator Skoufis for his dedicated efforts, her assembly co-sponsors, and the many staff members who worked on this bill both in the Legislature and in the Governor’s Office. Most importantly, she extended her appreciation to Tommy Shevlin and the Nassau County PBA for shining a light on this issue, for being fierce advocates for their members and for trusting her to get this bill done.