ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — New legislation in New York State aims to reduce the stigma of mental health concerns among law enforcement. The Lieutenant Joseph Banish Mental Health Act is in memory of the late New York State Police lieutenant, who died by suicide in 2008.
The law establishes confidentiality protections for communications made by law enforcement during peer-to-peer counseling sessions. It also sets standards for disclosure of communications made during formal sessions that contain a threat of suicide or an expression of suicidal ideation; a threat of bodily harm or death; an admission of criminal conduct; or information relating to the abuse or neglect of a child.
“If this law were in effect in 2008 my brother may still be alive today. This law will save lives by giving officers a confidential peer to speak to without retribution on either end of the conversation,” New York Law Enforcement Assistance Program President Jim Banish said. “My brother, Lt. Joseph Banish, continues to save lives long after his passing. That’s a legacy worth leaving. We have been working on this for many years. Thank you Governor Hochul, Tommy Shevlin and everyone who made this happen!”…