U.S. Representative Dale Strong, along with a broad range of congressional leaders from both parties, introduced the SERVICE Act (Assistance to All At-Risk Veterans in Crisis Situations) to close the gap between veterans in crisis and the care they need.

Service Law Establishes a pilot program to allow local law enforcement agencies to use Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant funding to establish dedicated “Veterans Response Teams” within their departments to respond to emergency calls involving veterans in crisis.

Sixteen senators signed on to Strong's bill as co-sponsors.

“Supporting our veterans when they return home is critical, and this bill will ensure law enforcement agencies across the country are better equipped to assist veterans struggling with mental illness and other issues and connect them to appropriate community and VA services,” said Rep. Strong (R-Monrovia).

“We owe our military members a debt that can never be repaid, and I am honored to introduce this bill to ensure our veterans receive the best possible treatment.”

VA research suggests that great strides can be made toward prevention by strengthening community-based interventions and coalition building, and by increasing awareness of and access to mental health services.

about twenty five% Ten percent of law enforcement officers have served in the military. Establishing veterans response teams will provide an opportunity for active engagement for veterans both within their departments and in the community at large, assist with the transition between military and civilian life and improve recruitment and retention efforts within law enforcement, Strong's office said.

The Veterans Response Team is a team of law enforcement officers who also have military service experience.

Team members are available 24/7 to respond to Veterans in crisis situations, including mental health and substance abuse. After the initial response, team members help connect individuals to community and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) resources.

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Sheriff Kevin Turner of Strong's home county of Madison said he and his department are 100% behind Strong and his efforts to provide local funding and support for both veterans and law enforcement officers.

“The Madison County Sheriff’s Office deeply values ​​and recognizes all efforts aimed at redirecting federal funds to the local level and supporting law enforcement and veterans who reside in Madison County.“ Sheriff Turner said.

“In particular, the Sheriff’s Office takes great pride in our five dedicated Crisis Intervention Team deputies, who have undergone rigorous training under the guidance of mental health providers, family advocates and mental health consumer advocates.“

The Service Act is American Legion, Hope for the Warriorsand Vietnam Veterans of America.

“The American Legion and our 1.6 million dues-paying members fully support the SERVICE Act. The Veterans Response Teams will provide much-needed resources to meet the needs of veterans in crisis,” said Chanin Nanthavong, Executive Director of the American Legion.

“This legislation will be critical in mitigating the crises resulting from conditions like TBI and PTSD, and we applaud Rep. Strong’s leadership on this important issue.”

Grayson Everett is the state and politics editor for Yellow Hammer News. You can follow him on Twitter. Grayson