WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04) and Congressman Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14) introduced the Supporting and Treating Officers in Crisis (STOIC) Act to improve mental health treatment and support for our nation’s law enforcement officers, especially as it relates to suicide prevention. The lawmakers’ bipartisan STOIC Act was previously signed into law in 2019, which authorized Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant funding through 2024. This bill would extend funding through 2029.
“Every day, our law enforcement shows up in times of emergency and crisis to keep our communities safe — yet these same public servants lack the resources to face the growing mental health crisis in their own field,” Rep. Dean said. “I was encouraged that funding for the STOIC Act passed into law during our first term in 2019, and I’m grateful to work with Congressman Reschenthaler once again to enact our bipartisan bill. We must support the well-being of our law enforcement professionals, as they support ours.”
“Law enforcement officers face unprecedented threats and mental health challenges. We must continue to support these officers and their families who serve and protect our communities,” Rep. Reschenthaler said. “In 2019, I partnered with my Pennsylvania colleague, Congresswoman Dean, to get this bill signed into law by President Trump. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation once again, which will help ensure law enforcement officers have access to critical mental health support.”
The STOIC Act is endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.
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