Prison Fellowship’s statement on Senate passage of Law Enforcement De-escalation Training Act of 2022

BACKGROUND

• Police officers respond every day to calls for service for men and women with significant mental and behavioral health challenges. However, many officers do not receive consistent training to effectively address these situations. Inadequate training can undermine law enforcement officers’ well-being and heighten incidents of excessive use of force.
• The Law Enforcement De-escalation Training Act (S. 4003) would create a new federal funding stream to provide training for law enforcement officers on de-escalation techniques, participation in crisis intervention teams, making referrals to community-based service providers, safely responding to individuals in a behavioral or mental health crisis, and alternatives to use of force. The Department of Justice would develop training curriculum in collaboration with mental health providers, law enforcement agencies, civil rights organizations, and other stakeholders.
• The bill would advance transparency and accountability to best practices through strong reporting and evaluation requirements. Through a “train the trainer” model, the bill positions law enforcement officers to be catalysts for improving the work of their peers.
• The bill is supported by a range of organizations, including Prison Fellowship, National Criminal Justice Association, Major Cities Chiefs Association, Major Counties Sheriffs Association, Right on Crime, Fraternal Order of Police, Catholic Charities USA, Faith and Freedom Coalition, National Association on Mental Illness, and National Association of Evangelicals.