NYPD launches MH initiatives in wake of police officer suicides

The New York City Police Department is attempting to address an increasing need for mental health care access, officials said Aug. 27, amid a spate of officer suicides, Politico reported. The police department is launching a “peer‐to‐peer support program” wherein volunteers within the department “will be available to ask, listen, encourage and follow‐up with all members of the service in each command,” NYPD spokesperson Devora Kaye said in an email. The department is also deploying a smartphone app listing available services to officers. The initiatives come after nine police suicides this year — deaths that have raised concerns NYPD brass have not fostered a sufficient environment for cops to seek mental health care. The announcement followed news earlier in the day that New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams would introduce legislation establishing an independent office for cops to receive mental health care outside the department. The NYPD is also mandating mental health training for executive staff and command‐level officers, which is also underway. The NYPD is also increasing staffing resources, including mental health professionals, to provide continuous training and outreach to officers. The city is still working on expanding mental health provider options through the NYPD's insurance plan.