In 2022, Texas had the highest number of law enforcement suicides in the nation, with 16 officer lives lost. It has been noted that many officers are reluctant to seek help even after traumatic incidents occur. In response to this issue, the Blue Chip Program will now expand statewide across Texas starting on Monday.
The Blue Chip Program offers no-cost mental health resources for law enforcement officers and is based on a similar program with the Arlington Police Department. The program was established to provide support to police officers across North Texas following the mass shooting at the Allen outlets in 2023. The program’s leaders believe that Texas will be the only state in the country to offer both a statewide law enforcement peer support network and a program that provides anonymous and free mental health services.
North Texas police chiefs and leaders are praising this initiative, stating that programs like this can save lives. The expansion of the Blue Chip Program will provide valuable resources for police officers throughout the state and help to break down stigmas surrounding mental health in law enforcement. With more support available, officers will be better equipped to cope with the stresses of their job and potentially prevent tragic events from occurring in the future.
