Bill > A1049

This bill establishes the "Cop 2 Cop Sustainability Fund" within the Department of the Treasury to ensure ongoing support for the "Law Enforcement Officer Crisis Intervention Services" Cop 2 Cop telephone hotline program, which is a confidential 24-hour peer support service for law enforcement officers and their families operated by Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care. The bill appropriates $500,000 from the General Fund to this dedicated fund, starting in fiscal year 2025, and also directs any existing funds previously allocated from Body Armor Replacement Funds, along with any other available moneys, to be deposited into this sustainability fund. This initiative aims to bolster the financial stability of the Cop 2 Cop program, which provides crucial mental health support and referrals to officers experiencing stress, trauma, or other psychological challenges related to their demanding profession.