U.S. Rep. Dale Strong, alongside a sweeping list of congressional leaders from both parties, introduced the SERVICE (Supporting Every at-Risk Veteran In Critical Emergencies) Act to bridge the gap between veterans in crisis and the care they need.
The SERVICE Act would establish a pilot program to allow local law enforcement agencies to use the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grants to establish dedicated “Veterans Response Teams” within departments to respond to emergency calls involving veterans in crisis.
16 members of congress signed onto Strong’s bill as cosponsors.
“Supporting our veterans after they return home is crucial. This legislation will ensure that law enforcement agencies around the country are better equipped to assist veterans suffering from issues such as mental health crises and connect them with appropriate community or VA services,” Rep. Strong (R-Monrovia) said.
“We owe our servicemembers a debt that cannot be repaid, and it is my honor to introduce this legislation to work towards providing our veterans with the best treatment possible.”
VA studies suggest that strides can be made toward prevention with greater community-based intervention and coalition-building and by increasing awareness of and access to mental health services, among other things.
Approximately 25% of law enforcement officers have a background in military service. Establishing Veterans Response Teams affords an opportunity for positive engagement for veterans both within their departments and within their broader communities, which Rep. Strong’s office said, could assist in the transition between military and civilian life and improve recruitment and retention efforts within law enforcement.
A Veterans Response Team is a team of law enforcement officers who also have a background in military service.
Members of the team would be available 24/7 to respond to instances of a veteran in crisis, this may include mental health or substance abuse situations. Following initial response, members of the team would assist in connecting the individual with community and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) resources.
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In Strong’s home district, Madison County Sheriff Kevin Turner said he and his department are 100% supportive of Strong and his efforts to provide local funding and assistance to veterans and law enforcement officers alike.
“The Madison County Sheriff’s Office deeply values and acknowledges any initiatives aimed at redirecting federal funds towards the local level to aid the law enforcement agencies and veterans residing in Madison County,” Sheriff Turner said.
“In particular, the Sheriff’s Office takes great pride in its five specialized Crisis Intervention Team deputies who have undergone rigorous training under the guidance of mental health providers, family advocates, and mental health consumer groups.”
The SERVICE Act has been endorsed by American Legion, Hope for the Warriors, and Vietnam Veterans of America.
“The American Legion and our 1.6 million dues-paying members fully support the SERVICE Act. Veterans’ response teams provide much-needed resources to meet the needs of veterans in crisis,” said American Legion Executive Director, Chanin Nuntavong.
“This legislation is critical in deescalating crises that result from conditions such as TBI and PTSD, and we applaud Rep. Strong’s leadership on this key issue.”
Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270
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