Eugene police subcommittee votes to present draft mental-health and wellness policy to full commission

The Eugene Police Commission's Law Enforcement Mental Health & Wellness (LEMHW) subcommittee voted to present Draft Policy 10-21, a proposed framework for officer mental health and wellness, to the full Police Commission.

The draft, prepared by Sergeant Jordan and circulated to subcommittee members, lays out a departmental wellness program including training, peer support, employee assistance, chaplain support, and other resilience measures. Subcommittee members spent the meeting discussing whether the department should employ a qualified mental health professional (QMHP) on-site, use an on-site social worker who refers to outside providers, or rely on external providers.

Subcommittee Chair Jack said the group agrees the department needs "a written policy covering all the aspects of officer mental health and well-being." Members said writing policy ensures steps taken under the current chief will be recorded for future leaders.

A central point of debate was confidentiality and officers' willingness to use services if a provider is embedded in the department. "My understanding is there is a patient confidentiality that goes into play ... disclosure would only…