Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and a bipartisan coalition of 53 attorneys general are urging Congress to pass The Public Safety Officer Support Act of 2022. The Act addresses gaps in support for public safety officers who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) associated with the high-risk nature of their jobs.
In a letter signed by the attorneys general, they praise the work of public safety officers including police, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians who respond to stressful and potentially traumatic situations. Public safety officers are 25.6 times more likely to develop PTSD than members of the general public and research shows those suffering from PTSD are at increased risk of suicide.
“This legislation provides vital support for officers and their families suffering from trauma experienced in the line of duty,” Nessel said. “Those who protect and serve deserve to know help is available. I’m proud to join this bipartisan letter with my colleagues around the country.”
The legislation supports public safety officers suffering from PTSD by:
- Designating work-related PTSD as a “line-of duty” injury for eligible officers and those disabled from attempted suicide.
- Allowing families of officers who die by trauma-linked suicide to apply for death benefits.
This legislation is also endorsed by the American Psychological Association, the Fraternal Order of Police, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, National Association of Police Organizations, Sergeants benevolent Association, National Sheriffs Association, Blue H.E.L.P, the National Border Patrol Council, and the United States Capitol Police Labor Committee.
