New Kentucky law funds mental health resources for law enforcement

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – Ten months after a lethal Floyd County ambush killed three officers and a Okay-9, the psychological well being impacts on legislation enforcement officers proceed.

Prestonsburg police say they’ve a psychological well being program and consider it’s essential for all departments to have them. Now, a brand new legislation offers funding to just do that.

This week, Governor Beshear signed Home Invoice 207, which helps legislation enforcement businesses create wellness packages for bodily and psychological well being.

The night time of June 30 remains to be recent within the minds of the Prestonsburg police and Floyd County sheriff’s departments.

“What we went by final summer time is one thing we are going to by no means recover from,” mentioned Brad Caldwell of the Prestonsburg Police Division.

That night time, Deputy William Petry, Police Captain Ralph Frasure, Officer Jacob Chaffins and Okay-9 Drago had been shot and killed in an ambush assault in Allen. A number of different responders had been severely injured.

“After the incident occurred, the outpouring assist from our group was great,” mentioned Powell. “From pastors and counselors, simply your regular on a regular basis residents arising asking, ‘something we are able to do for ya?’”

Whereas the group assist has continued, the officers within the police division have additionally relied on a counseling program that they had in place earlier than the tragedy.

“We”ve all the time had companions inside our group that’s been there for us and allow us to come and speak to them if we wanted anyone to speak to,” mentioned Powell.

Officers and first responders see a number of tragedy and trauma on the job. Home Invoice 207 is designed to assist departments present the assets they should course of hardships.

“Whether or not it’s a taking pictures, a extreme little one abuse case, a murder or perhaps a deadly wreck to the place an officer has to answer, that takes a toll on the officer,” mentioned Powell.

A toll that may impression how the officer is ready to do their job and shield their group.

“Our officers are interacting with Kentuckians on their worst day, so it’s important that we guarantee they’re mentally wholesome and have addressed any trauma they’ve skilled,” mentioned Governor Beshear after signing the invoice.

Beneath the invoice, all classes and data mentioned within the wellness packages will stay confidential below counselor-client privilege.

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