Over the past few years, the men and women of law enforcement have faced increased hostility and violence and worked under repeated budget cuts. Our law enforcement officers sacrifice so much to keep our communities safe, the very least we can do is stand behind them.
Here is some of my most recent work to support our law enforcement officers:
- Held a February 2023 Law Enforcement Roundtable in Elk River with members of the Wright County Sheriff's Office, Carver County Sheriff's Office, Anoka County Sheriff's Office, as well as from the Saint Cloud, and Ramsey Police Departments.
- Participated in a ride along with the Saint Cloud Police Department.
- In the 117th Congress, we passed the bipartisan Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Reauthorization Act. This legislation reauthorizes the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program (JMHCP). The JMHCP allows states and localities to develop programming that connects those with mental illness and substance abuse issues to evidence-based and comprehensive treatment within the criminal justice system.
- We introduced the Community OutPost (COP) Outreach and Engagement Act. This legislation, modeled after the St. Cloud Police Department’s “COP” House, would establish a pilot program to promote the nationwide use of Community OutPosts to help law enforcement improve relationships with residents and provide increased access to vital services.
- We cosponsored and passed the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, which designated 9-8-8 as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This is now law. In 2022, 195 law enforcement officers took their own lives. The National Suicide Hotline ensures all Americans have readily available mental health support in times of need.