Skip to main content
Image
img

Pappas Helps Send Legislation Securing Law Enforcement Funding to the President’s Desk

December 15, 2022

Yesterday, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) helped pass the bipartisan Law Enforcement De-escalation Training Act. The bill has already passed the Senate, and will now be sent to President Biden’s desk for his signature.

“Every day our law enforcement responds to a wide variety of calls, and it’s important they have the training and resources necessary for every situation,” said Congressman Pappas. “This bipartisan legislation will close the mental health crisis training gap, support officers in these urgent encounters, and improve their ability to connect with vital resources. I’m pleased that this bill passed the House with bipartisan support and will continue fighting to deliver the resources law enforcement need to keep our communities safe.”

Specifically, the Law Enforcement De-escalation Training Act will:

  • Require the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services to developing curricula in the training topics, or identifying existing curricula, in consultation with law enforcement, mental health organizations, family advocacy organizations, and civil liberties groups, among other stakeholders;
  • Authorize $70 million in annual grant funding for training, including scenario-based exercises and evaluative assessments; and
  • Require the National Institute of Justice and the Government Accountability Office to evaluate the implementation of the program and the effect of the training, to ensure that the curricula have a tangible impact on law enforcement encounters with people in crisis, and identify possible changes that would further improve outcomes.