There is a need for Safety Officer Training for recognizing different neurological processes and behavior.
Mental Illness
Traumatic Brain Injury
Developmentally Disabled
PTSD
Stroke
Drunk & Disorderly
Illegal Drugs
Advocates stress the need for better training and awareness among law enforcement to distinguish TBI symptoms from mental health issues and to provide appropriate support, rather than escalating the situation unnecessarily. In the last 10 years, many States have instituted Training for TBI.
“Wounded Warriors” has found the signature injuries in the Iraq & Afghanistan wars are TBI & PTSD. It requires the government to solicit recommendations from health and veteran groups for how best to interact with people suffering from TBI or PTSD.
The measure provides $270 million over five years for a new training program to help law enforcement and other first responders better recognize and respond to individuals suffering from these two conditions. The National “Online Site” is to be produced by the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance for distribution by the CDC, and added to the Police Mental Health Toolkit.
TBIRA is taking the INITIATIVE to Produce Police Training in our AWARENESS site.
“Many common symptoms of TBI or PTSD, like confusion or impaired memory, are often mistaken for intoxication,” Pascrell said on the floor of the House in support of the bill. “Other symptoms, including agitation, can unnecessarily escalate interactions. Ensuring officers can quickly recognize the signs and symptoms of TBI and PTSD will improve both public safety and the safety of our first responders.”
(Representative Bill Pascrell co-founded the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force in 2001. He served as its co-chair for 23 years of leadership, until he passed in 2024.)
American Federation of State, County, & Municipal Employees as well as the AFL-CIO supports the Bill.
STATE SAFETY OFFICER TRAINING
for
TBI & PTSD
California Peace Officer Safety Training on PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury
California was the 1st State to offer Peace Officer Safety Training on TBI & PTSD. Their Training program has been recognized as the finest in the USA. It is copied by other states.
Training Law Enforcement Officers to Differentiate Traumatic Brain Injury from Alcohol Intoxication