On January 30, Associate Policy Director Sarah Sample testified before the Judicial Proceedings Committee in support of SB 326 – Public Safety – Law Enforcement Agencies – Peer Support Programs with amendments.
This bill promotes more stability within the public safety workforce across Maryland, where employers currently face historic challenges and vacancies. By expanding opportunities for law enforcement officers and corrections officers to seek support from their peers when struggling with the mental and emotional impacts of working in public safety, counties can ensure better community outcomes.
Public safety is a profession where, rightfully, courage and composure are always necessary. At the same time, law enforcement and detention center officers can be the targets of violence, and are often exposed to grave harms inflicted on vulnerable populations and children. This exposure is well known to take a serious toll on the mental and emotional wellbeing of these fundamental public safety officials. Speaking to a supervisor or a trained medical professional about personal mental and emotional challenges and insecurities can be intimidating. Having an option to talk to a trained peer can serve as a comfortable entry point for an individual to heal and potentially seek more help if needed.
Counties believe SB 326 takes a balanced approach by authorizing confidential peer-to-peer interactions but also ensuring transparency and accountability for serious crimes and during exigent circumstances. MACo commends this effort and offers an amendment to include corrections officers in the provisions of the bill as these professionals have a comparable risk of severe injury, trauma, and long-term adverse health effects.
SB 326’s cross-file, HB 309, was heard on February 25 in the House Judiciary Committee. Sarah Sample testified in support of this bill with amendments.
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