Our Network Continues to Grow; U.S. Senate Mental Wellness Bill Introduced

And a re-introduced House bill that can further damage policing

If you’re like me, you’ve been feeling suffocated by the current news cycle. Our nation is indeed in decline, and not just from a public safety and policing perspective. I’m not telling you anything you already don’t know.

What the media doesn’t report on is that there are thousands of concerned Americans working overtime on a myriad of pressing issues to prevent our country from falling off a cliff. Some of these dedicated people just happen to advocate for public safety.

One of them is Gianno Caldwell, who I’m thrilled to announce is partnering with Independent Women’s Network / Forum! Several of us from IW are doing an upcoming pre-record with Gianno and another member of his team.

You’ve probably seen or heard of Gianno. He’s a Fox News contributor, author; has been a contributor to The Hill, a special correspondent for Extra TV, and a noted speaker at events across the country.

You can follow Gianno on X.

Gianno also recently founded the Caldwell Institute for Public Safety after his beloved brother was fatally shot.

From his new organization’s website,

 “The Caldwell Institute for Public Safety is a 501(c)(4) dedicated to ensuring a justice system that prioritizes the safety and security of all law-abiding citizens by strategically supporting anti-crime candidates, advocating for legislation that makes communities safer, and providing comprehensive support services for victims of violent crime. We aim to create and foster solutions that effectively combat crime, support law enforcement, and uphold the principles of fairness and justice for every American.”

Networking with people and organizations who get it (like Gianno does) is a priority, and will get us closer to fixing our malaise.

I’d be lying if I told you that I’m not deeply worried about our nation’s future, or that I never question whether I’m wasting my time. Mostly, however, I keep in front of me that there are a lot of people out there who do care, and that together, we can and are making a difference. This is a fact.

Besides, our nation’s police officers are too important to give up on, as is our country.

Legislation

Help Lobby for Officer Mental Wellness

Police officers are at a higher risk of developing debilitating mental health issues like depression, substance abuse, and PTSD. This is not a revelation, considering that the job exposes cops to the worst of humanity on a regular basis.

This scenario has been exacerbated by events of the past several years, including a persistent police staffing shortage; cops are working unforgiving hours to compensate and are thus subject to succumbing to burnout. Officers have also been demoralized by members of the public, elected officials, and even leadership from within their own agencies. They hesitate using justified force for rightful fear of being wrongfully indicted, and have become walking targets simply for wearing a uniform.

These factors affect the human psyche and can harm an officer’s sense of wellbeing. Tragically, they don’t always get the help they desperately need. In fact, they tend to suffer in silence.

It’s why I was pleased to see that Sens. Josh Hawley (MO) and Kirsten Gillibrand (NY) introduced the bipartisan First Responders Wellness Act (S. 4892) last month. This bill would expand critical mental health resources (including professional counseling!) to police officers and other first responders.

You can read more about this bill here.

After reading about this critical bill, would you please take a moment to urge your two U.S. senators, urging them to co-sponsor it?

The Justice in Policing Act Has Returned

Shortly after National Police Week this past May, members of Congress re-introduced the Justice in Policing Act of 2024 (H.R.8525). Among other things, it would lower the criminal intent standard for officers and limit their qualified immunity protections.

It goes without saying that police officers are not above the law. They’re not below it, either. Policies designed to prosecute officers for making good-faith judgment calls will, however, be another death knell on policing.

If you don’t have time to study the entire bill, I recommend this article from a colleague at National Police Association. Note that it was written in response to the original bill, introduced in the House in 2021.

The bill currently has 155 co-sponsors. Before voting in the upcoming election, you may want to check if your congressperson is a supporter.

Next Time

Keep an eye on your inbox for a special deep dive report on how the crime statistics we’re being fed by media and politicians can be distorted. Though we live at a point in time when narratives are mistaken for the truth, facts still do matter.

I appreciate you. Keep safe and well. : )

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For the Blue is a solutions-based initiative. I’m just an American patriot asking questions. I don’t work with any political party and I answer to nobody. For me, the health of the nation, due process (including for police officers), the rule of law, and respect for individual liberties, will always transcend party affiliation. I welcome your thoughts, even if you disagree; though personal attacks will be ignored. You can reach me at fortheblue@substack.com.