Attorney General Ashley Moody continues to advocate for mental health support for Florida law enforcement officers. Today in St. Petersburg, Attorney General Moody addressed the first graduates of Florida’s Law Enforcement Mental Health Certificate at St. Petersburg College. The pilot program is funded through a 2023 state budget allocation supported by Attorney General Moody. The 14 graduates are now certified to help officers struggling with mental health issues in the law enforcement agencies where they serve.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Florida is the most pro-law enforcement state in the nation because we support our officers. My first year in office, we traveled the state to discuss the mental health challenges facing our heroes. Since those early conversations, Florida continues to find new ways to support the physical and mental health needs of our officers. This inaugural class is now equipped to support those they serve alongside and help them deal with the invisible scars that often accompany the heroism of sacrifice and service.”
A 2022 study found that one in three law enforcement officers experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder during their careers. The same study also revealed a higher suicide rate for police officers than deaths in the line of duty.
The inaugural graduating class comprises 14 police officers, detectives, sergeants, commanders, and corporals from Clearwater, Gulfport, St. Petersburg, and Tampa police departments. The Applied Mental Health Certificate for Law Enforcement is a year-long program designed to equip participants with knowledge and skills necessary to manage job-related stressors effectively, as well as assist fellow officers and community members facing mental health challenges. The graduating class is now qualified to act as mental health liaisons within respective agencies.
Apart from advocating for the pilot program budget allocation, Attorney General Moody has undertaken several initiatives:
- Served on the Presidential National Law Enforcement Commission: In 2020, Attorney General Moody was appointed to explore modern issues affecting law enforcement.
- Hosted Mental Health and Criminal Justice Round Table Discussions: In 2019, she hosted discussions to identify best practices and innovative strategies.
- Supported Funding to Expand Hero Help Line Statewide: This past session, she supported legislative efforts to expand the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay’s Hero Help Line.
- Urged Congress to pass the Public Safety Officer Support Act of 2022: She joined by 52 other attorneys general urged Congress to pass this legislation addressing gaps in support for public safety officers suffering from PTSD.
- Presented a Back the Blue Award: She awarded an officer who co-wrote a book on mental health awareness and treatment strategies for first responders.
- Recognized Program for Providing Service Dogs: She recognized K9s For Warriors for providing service dogs to Florida law enforcement agencies.
Law enforcement officers needing help should contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or text TALK to 741741. Officers can also call the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay’s helpline at 1(866) 4FL-HERO for immediate confidential support.