New Bill Proposes $10 Million Grant Program for Police Mental Health Crisis Training

This legislation, the "Law Enforcement Training for Mental Health Crisis Response Act of 2025," sets up a potential grant program aimed squarely at how law enforcement handles calls involving mental health or substance abuse crises. If enacted, it allows the Attorney General to allocate up to $10 million for grants to state, local, and Tribal law enforcement and corrections agencies. The core idea is to fund specialized training designed to help officers de-escalate these situations more effectively, ultimately aiming to reduce injuries and deaths for everyone involved – officers and the public alike.

Training Day: How It Works

The bill amends the existing Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to create this new funding stream. Agencies wanting the training grants would apply to the Attorney General, outlining the specific program they want officers to attend. The grant money could cover the training itself, plus related costs like travel and lodging. Think of a city police department noticing a rise in calls related to opioid overdoses or individuals experiencing psychotic episodes; under this bill, they could apply for funds to send officers to a certified training program focused on crisis intervention techniques. The Attorney General is tasked with setting the qualification standards for these training programs, ensuring they meet certain criteria. Applicants need to detail the proposed training, their agency size, any past incidents where officers or individuals were harmed during such crises, and whether they currently offer similar training.

Keeping Tabs: Accountability Measures

To ensure the money is used as intended, the bill includes some guardrails. Grant funds are meant to add to, not replace, an agency's existing budget for training. There's also a cap: administrative costs can't eat up more than 3% of the grant award. Agencies receiving funds will need to file annual reports detailing how the money was spent, how many officers got trained, and other relevant outcomes. They'll also need to keep detailed records, as the funds are subject to audits. This structure aims to make sure the investment translates into actual training hours and improved responses on the street.

The 'Why' Behind the Bill

The legislation explicitly states its reasoning, pointing to findings that police frequently encounter individuals in behavioral health crises – citing statistics like 1 in 10 calls involving someone with mental illness. It notes the risks inherent in these calls for both officers and the public, especially highlighted during the opioid epidemic. Importantly, the bill defines eligible training programs as those developed in collaboration with healthcare professionals and individuals who have personal experience with mental health conditions. This suggests an emphasis on evidence-based approaches and incorporating real-world perspectives into how officers are trained to respond.