Protecting the mental health of Maryland police officers
Photo by raymondclarkeimages with Flickr Creative Commons License
BY JACOB STEINBERG
ANNAPOLIS, Md. Maryland police officers who are dealing with stressors such as family issues, substance abuse or mass protests will have access to confidential mental health aid under a bill progressing in the state Legislature.
The Police Officers Mental Health Employee Assistance Program, sponsored by Del. Benjamin Brooks, D-Baltimore County, and Sen. Mary Washington, D-Baltimore, would require each law enforcement agency to provide its officers with access to an employee assistance or mental health program at a minimal cost to the officer.