# TBI and PTSD Law Enforcement Training Act

This bill requires law enforcement agencies to provide training to police officers about traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The goal is to help officers recognize and respond appropriately when they encounter people who have these conditions, whether those people are civilians, other officers, or veterans.

The training would teach police how to identify signs that someone might be experiencing TBI or PTSD, and how these conditions can affect a person's behavior during police interactions. For example, someone with PTSD might have an extreme reaction to sudden movements or loud noises, or someone with a TBI might struggle to follow instructions or communicate clearly. By understanding these conditions better, officers can de-escalate situations more effectively and connect people with appropriate mental health resources instead of defaulting to arrest or force.

This matters because people with TBI and PTSD are overrepresented in the criminal justice system. Many veterans, accident survivors, and people who've experienced violence end up in police encounters when what they really need is medical help. Better-trained officers can make safer decisions for everyone involved—reducing unnecessary arrests, injuries, and trauma. The bill essentially aims to make policing more informed and compassionate when dealing with people whose behavior might be driven by invisible brain injuries rather than criminal intent.

TBI and PTSD Law Enforcement Training Act

Ossoff, Jon

Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Law Enforcement Training Act or the TBI and PTSD Law Enforcement Training Act This bill requires the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) to consult with relevant agencies to establish crisis intervention training tools for first responders to address individuals with traumatic brain injuries, acquired brain injuries, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The BJA must ensure that at least one police department designated as a Law Enforcement Mental Health Learning Site utilizes the tools and that such tools are part of the Police-Mental Health Collaboration Toolkit. Additionally, the bill requires the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to study and report about the prevalence and incidence of concussions among first responders.