Senator Claims VA Fails to Comply with Law on Suicide Prevention Training for Police Officers
Fewer than one-third of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) police officers completed the legally required crisis intervention and suicide prevention training last year, according to allegations made by Senator Jerry Moran, R-Kan.
From January 2023 to March 2024, only 1,297 out of 4,505 armed VA police officers completed the annual training, resulting in a compliance rate of just under 29%. These officers are often first responders when veterans face life-threatening crises.
“This is wholly unacceptable, and I fear it is our veterans and VA’s workforce who are paying the price,” Moran stated in a letter to VA Secretary Denis McDonough, which was publicly released Wednesday. “There is no excuse for VA not taking all the steps the department can — much less the steps that Congress requires — to prevent the unnecessary loss of life.”
Mandates Under the COMPACT Act
The training requirements are part of the 2020 COMPACT Act, designed to enhance emergency suicide prevention care for veterans. The Act mandates that VA police officers receive annual training in behavioral science procedures for suicide prevention, crisis intervention and de-escalation skills, mental health and substance abuse disorders, and information about local law enforcement crisis intervention teams.
Senator Moran has demanded that Secretary McDonough explain the department’s non-compliance and provide a plan to ensure future adherence to the law by May 24.
VA’s Response to Allegations
A VA spokesperson did not directly address the allegations but stated that the department is committed to ensuring robust training for employees at all levels, including police officers.
“We at VA are focused on ensuring our employees at all levels, including police officers, have the robust training required to intervene and protect veterans during a crisis,” said VA spokesperson Terrence Hayes. “We also deeply value the concerns of whistleblowers — who help make VA better — and seek to investigate and address their concerns with the utmost urgency.”
Incidents Highlighting the Need for Proper Training
Senator Moran’s letter underscored several recent incidents to illustrate the critical need for proper training. These include a 2022 case where a veteran was struck and killed by a car after VA police escorted him off department property when he refused emergency room care, and a 2023 indictment of a VA police officer accused of beating a man with a baton 45 times.
“When Congress passed and the president signed the COMPACT Act into law, it was with precisely these types of cases in mind,” Moran wrote. “VA leadership has prided itself on being ahead of the curve nationally when it comes to training officers in de-escalation and crisis intervention, yet recent tragedies indicate there is much more work to do.”
Ongoing Concerns and Legislative Pressure
Moran’s concerns are not new. In a 2022 letter, Representative Chris Pappas, D-N.H., highlighted that there were 230 suicide attempts and 15 suicide deaths on VA property in the previous year. He expressed concern that the VA was not fully adhering to the spirit — if not the letter — of the law regarding police training.
While VA officials have stated that reducing veteran suicides is a top priority, the veteran suicide rate remains high. The department’s most recent report showed that 6,392 veterans died by suicide in 2021, an increase of 1.8% from the previous year.
Conclusion
The allegations of non-compliance with the COMPACT Act training requirements have brought to light significant concerns about the VA’s ability to protect veterans in crisis. As the department faces increasing scrutiny, there is a pressing need for transparency and accountability to ensure that the mandated training is effectively implemented and that veterans receive the care and protection they deserve.
FAQs
What is the COMPACT Act?
The COMPACT Act, passed in 2020, aims to enhance emergency suicide prevention care for veterans, including mandatory annual training for VA police officers on crisis intervention and suicide prevention.
Why is the VA police training important?
VA police officers are often first responders when veterans experience crises. Proper training in crisis intervention and suicide prevention is crucial for effectively handling these situations and potentially saving lives.
What were the compliance rates for the mandated training?
From January 2023 to March 2024, only about 29% of VA police officers completed the required training, which falls significantly short of full compliance.
What actions has Senator Moran taken regarding this issue?
Senator Moran has demanded an explanation from VA Secretary Denis McDonough for the lack of compliance and requested a plan to ensure future adherence to the law.
How has the VA responded to the allegations?
A VA spokesperson stated that the department is committed to providing robust training for all employees and values the concerns raised by whistleblowers, though they did not specifically address the compliance issue.
