This session, New York state lawmakers passed legislation that would establish a critical incident leave policy for the State Police. The goal is to give these law enforcement professionals time to address their mental health following a major incident. It’s now up to Gov. Kathy Hochul to decide whether or not she will sign it.

Charles Murphy, president of the New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association, joined Capital Tonight to discuss the legislation and the push to make it law.

According to FBI statistics, while half of the general public may experience at least one traumatic event in their life, members of law enforcement are exposed to an average of 178 in their career. With the ongoing struggle across law enforcement agencies to recruit and retain officers, Murphy said he hopes that the law would help with retention in the long run.

The bill was sponsored by state Sen. Jeremy Cooney and Assemblymember Patrick Burke.