Bills to Improve Behavioral Health Care for Peace Officers, Enhance Public Safety Clear Committee
DENVER, CO – The Judiciary Committee today advanced legislation that would invest $5 million to improve behavioral health services for peace officers as well as help keep kids out of the juvenile justice system.
SB22-005, sponsored by Senators Jeff Bridges (D-Greenwood Village) and John Cooke (R-Greeley), would make a one-time $5 million investment to the existing Peace Officers Behavioral Health Support and Community Partnership Fund to expand mental health support for law enforcement. The bill adds to the program services that support peace officers involved in job-related traumatic situations.
“The mental health crisis in Colorado reaches every community in unique ways,” Bridges said. “For members of law enforcement, serving on the frontlines of traumatic situations can have devastating effects on their mental health. By investing in behavioral health services specifically supporting law enforcement, we’ll ensure they are well equipped to continue to show up for our communities whenever and wherever needed.”
The Judiciary Committee also approved a bill sponsored by Senators James Coleman (D-Denver) and Nick Hinrichsen (D-Pueblo) that would improve public safety and keep kids out of the juvenile justice system. The bill, HB22-1003, is part of the Colorado Senate Democrats’ ongoing commitment to build safer communities across the state.
“Part of preventing crime and creating safer communities involves investing in effective intervention and prevention programs to help stop criminal activity from happening in the first place,” said Sen. Coleman. “By investing in our communities, we can keep more youth out of the juvenile justice system and build a safer Colorado for all, while uplifting our youth so they have the support necessary to lead productive and meaningful lives.”
“As we continue to move Pueblo and Colorado forward, we’re committed to making investments that reduce crime and improve public safety,” said Sen. Hinrichsen. “This bill will help local governments support our youth and reduce recidivism rates in our communities, which will ultimately give young people the support and resources they need and create safer communities across the board.”
HB22-1003 would establish the Delinquency Prevention and Young Offender Intervention Pilot Grant Program. The program would award two-year grants to local governments, Native American Tribes, and nonprofit organizations to fund projects that reduce crime, violence and delinquency among youth. Preference will be given to projects that demonstrate a community-based response involving collaboration with multiple agencies to reduce crime.