LOUISVILLE (WHAS11) -- More funding is on the way to help law enforcement officers manage the stress and trauma they experience on the beat every day.
Legislation signed in January by President Trump means police departments like New Albany's will see new funding for counselors and mental health services, as well as crisis hotlines to combat suicide rates.
Much of these practices are used in the military, which U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly realized could be adopted for police. He co-sponsored the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act alongside U.S. Senator Todd Young.
Local police applauded their work.
"The FOP prioritizes the need to address the staggering number of officers affected by PTSD and police suicide. Two issues that have been unspoken and untreated for far too long,” Toby Deaton, the Indiana FOP vice president, said.
"These men and women who protect us every day know that we have their back and we're doing everything we can to make sure they have the resources they need,” Donnelly said.
The legislation was inspired by wellness and peer mentoring programs in Indianapolis, which officers here locally also hope to incorporate in their daily routines.
