De-Escalation Training Act (S. 4003)

Summary

Creates and pays for special training to teach police how to calm tense situations and handle mental health crises without using force.

What problem does this solve?

Police sometimes use force when it's not needed, especially with people having a mental health crisis. This law provides money and standards for training to teach officers how to use other options besides force.

What does this law do?

Develops national training standards

Requires the Attorney General to create or find existing training programs for police on de-escalation, alternatives to force, and how to respond to mental health crises.

Creates a grant program for training

Provides money to state and local governments to pay for certified training courses for police officers and mental health professionals who work with them.

Certifies training programs

Directs the Attorney General to set up a process to certify that training programs offered by public or private groups meet the new federal standards.

Requires reporting on training and use of force

Police departments that get money must report how many officers are trained and provide data on situations where de-escalation tactics are used.

Authorizes funding for the program

Approves millions of dollars in funding between fiscal years 2023 and 2026 to develop the training and provide grants to police departments.

Defines key terms for law enforcement

Adds official definitions to federal law for terms like 'de-escalation' and 'mental or behavioral health or suicidal crisis' to ensure consistent understanding.

Mandates studies on effectiveness

Requires the National Institute of Justice and the Government Accountability Office to study how well the training programs are working and report their findings to Congress.

Who does this affect?

Law enforcement officers
Individuals with mental or behavioral health conditions
Individuals with disabilities

What is the real world impact?

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Improves police and public safety

Provides officers with skills to handle difficult situations without violence, protecting both themselves and the public, especially people in a mental health crisis.

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Addresses calls for police reform

Responds to public demand for changes in policing by focusing on less confrontational methods and better ways to interact with people with disabilities or mental health issues.

When does this start?

This law sets multiple deadlines for the Attorney General to create training programs and rules, starting from its signing date of December 27, 2022.

Training curricula development

The Attorney General must develop or identify official training curricula within 180 days of the law's passage.

Certification process establishment

Within 180 days after the curricula are ready, the Attorney General must create a process to certify training programs.

Grant program launch

The Attorney General must begin making grant money available to states no later than 90 days after the training and certification processes are complete.

Reporting portal creation

A data portal for police departments to submit required reports must be created by the Attorney General within 180 days of the law's passage.

National Institute of Justice study

A study on how well the training is being implemented must be completed within two years of the first grant being awarded.

Government Accountability Office report

A review of the entire grant program must be completed and sent to Congress within three years of the first grant being awarded.