By Thomas Montana
A group of local Assemblymembers are backing a bill that would give state troopers up to 20 days of paid leave for their involvement in critical incidents. They said this bill would give state law enforcement the help they need to process the events of any traumatic incidents they experienced while in the line of duty.
State Senator Jeremy Cooney (D-Rochester), who sponsored the pending bill, and Patrick Burke (D-South Buffalo), who introduced the Assembly version, said they believe that law enforcement officers return to duty before they have had time to process traumatic experiences..
“That has a detrimental effect on the community at large because you’ve placed somebody in a position of authority who may not be mentally healthy enough to fully do their job well in protecting the community,” Cooney told Gothamist.
Troopers who are directly responsible for deaths or injuries would be granted 20 days of paid leave, while others who are indirectly involved would get 15 days of leave. The time is to be taken as soon as possible, though State Police leaders can delay the leave to maintain staffing levels. If officials later determine that a use of force wasn’t justified, State Police leaders could subtract critical incident leave from a trooper’s future vacation.
Cooney says the bill only applies to State Police because it would need negotiation in bargaining agreements for local agencies. New York State Troopers PBA President Charles Murphy told Gothamist he hopes the law could expand into more of New York and beyond.
The bill has passed the Senate and Assembly and is awaiting the governor’s signature.
LILP reached out to members of the New York Assembly about the pending bill.
“When this bill was brought to my attention early this year, I was shocked to learn that this was not already standard procedure for the Troopers that serve our state, and I commend the bill sponsor, Assemblymember Burke, for championing this legislation,” said Rebecca Kassay (D-Port Jefferson). “I am heartened by the increasing seriousness with which we are addressing officer mental health at both state and local levels of law enforcement and public safety, and I will continue my work as a strong advocate for these measures.”
“Law enforcement officers often face difficult and dangerous situations. When a critical incident occurs, they need the full support of their peers and the community to process what has happened and prepare for the next challenge,” said Jodi Giglio (R-Riverhead). “As legislators, it is our responsibility to ensure they have the resources, care, and support necessary to stay healthy and ready to carry out their vital work.”
“I am in support of this legislation as I believe we should give the state troopers and all law enforcement every possible benefit,” said Joseph DeStefano (R-Medford). “These officers put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe and deserve to know that we have their backs. Disrespect and lack of support for law enforcement only lead to one thing: more crime.”