TCOLE committee to send mental‑wellness recommendations, urges earlier training and statewide resource hub

At a subcommittee meeting of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, members voted to finalize and submit a recommendations document to the commission for its June 12 meeting in Austin that urges earlier mandatory wellness training for licensees, a statewide resource hub and a “checkpoint” peer‑support strategy for small agencies.

The committee said the proposals aim to close gaps in officer mental‑health supports that occur when agencies only deploy resources after high‑profile "critical incidents" and to make help available earlier in officers’ careers. Theresa Jamerson, medical director, recommended moving mental‑wellness training up so officers receive it before they reach the basic certificate stage. "This should be the third requirement," Jamerson said, arguing officers benefit if the training is provided during orientation or the field‑training period.

Committee members said smaller agencies often lack peer‑support teams and that TCOLE is well positioned to act as a clearinghouse. The…