Mental Health Update
Bill for State Police Mental Health Leave Sitting on Hochul’s Desk
MHANYS strongly supports this state police critical incident review policy.
Thanks to MHANYS Board Member Sarah Lanzo for her advocacy on this bill.
Bill for State Police Mental Health Leave Sitting on Hochul’s Desk
Buffalo Toronto Public Media | By Ryan Zunner
Published September 4, 2025 at 4:23 PM EDT
Referred to as “critical incidents,” under New York state policies, those include more than officer-involved shootings. Things such as fatal car accidents, mass casualty tragedies and high-speed pursuits. Right now, most New York State Troopers are not automatically offered leave to seek counseling or respite for those incidents. When they are — it’s usually just three days.
“For many troopers, the involvement in a critical incident is the start of a deeply personal and difficult journey,” said Charles Murphy, president of the New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association. “Even though troopers are trained to manage dangerous situations too often, they’re expected to return to duty almost immediately after experiencing traumatic incidents that result in death, regardless of the extreme after effects they’re experiencing.”
A bill to widen those policies for state troopers was introduced by Buffalo-area Assemblyman Pat Burke, and passed with bipartisan support in the state legislature. However, the bill has yet to be signed by Governor Kathy Hochul. Burke said its been difficult to recruit and retain law enforcement officers, and added benefits for mental health could be part of solving that issue.
“These are public employees who deserve to go home safe to their families, and we need to recognize the challenges that come with a job like this,” said Burke. “So when a critical incident happens, we need to care for them. Because we’re not just caring for them in their mental health — we’re caring for their families and we’re caring for our whole community.”
If signed into law, Burke’s bill would allow troopers directly involved in a critical incident eligible for 20 days of paid leave. Those indirectly involved would be eligible for 15 days.
The leave would be voluntary, but union leaders say an improvement over current policy not just in length, but in process. Currently, troopers need to appeal to the state police superintendent to be granted a 72-hour leave.
https://www.wamc.org/2025-09-
WKBW (ABC 7): ‘It hasn’t been easy’: Troopers call on Governor Hochul to sign the Critical Incident bill
By: Eileen Buckley
Posted 5:18 PM, Sep 04, 2025 and last updated 6:52 PM, Sep 04, 2025
BUFFALO, NY (WKBW) — New York State Troopers respond to some of the most difficult situations, from traumatic accidents to violent crimes, but some say the toll it’s taking on their mental health is a major problem. However, Albany lawmakers approved a Critical Incident bill that would provide mental health relief.
“It was chaotic, dangerous, and frightening,” commented State Trooper Anthony Nigro.
Trooper Nigro, an 18-year veteran of the New York State Troopers, spoke about the mental health toll he experienced after a traumatic, high-speed chase with a suspect whom he fatally shot in downtown Buffalo. The scene, all captured on his body camera, unfolded in just ten seconds in downtown Buffalo back in 2022.
“It hasn’t been easy, even coming here today from my residence’s location, I traced the same steps of the event of that day,” reflected Trooper Nigro. “Not only ours, but the mental well-being of your family, your friends, and your coworkers as well.”
Trooper Nigro joined State Assemblyman Patrick Burke, the leader of the New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association, and mental health advocates calling on Governor Kathy Hochul to sign the bill. It has already been approved by both the state assembly and senate.
“Under the bill, troopers directly involved in critical incidents will be eligible for 20 days of paid leave. Those, indirectly, may take 15 days of leave. The leave is voluntary and not mandatory, but the impact of having this option available to those who might desire it. It’s powerful and removes the long-standing stigma,” explained Charles Murphy, president, NYS Troopers PBA.
Right now, troopers are allowed only three days if approved by the superintendent.
“No one starts their shift thinking they’re going to deploy deadly physical force. Our intent is always to avoid the loss of life,” remarked Trooper Nigro.
“We urge Governor Hochul to sign this bill and show law enforcement that their mental health is not an afterthought, but a priority,” stated Sarah Lanzo, Mental Health Advocates of Western New York.
Assemblyman Burke sponsored the bill. I asked him if he’s hopeful the governor will sign it.
“I think this is just common sense, and I think the governor is a practical person, and I think this is a practical matter, and it certainly gives her an opportunity to lead on something that’s really important, so I’m hopeful, but we, me and her, have not had a different conversation,” replied Burke.
I reached out to the governor’s office for comment on this, and I was told Governor Hochul is “reviewing” the bill.
Spectrum: Hochul Urged to Sign Bill Establishing Critical Incident Leave Policy for State Troopers
By: Mark Goshgarian
BUFFALO, N.Y. — State Police and Democratic leaders are calling on Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign a bill supporting troopers following use-of-force incidents that resulted in serious injury or death.
What You Need To Know
- Assemblyman Pat Burke co-sponsored legislation to support NYSP troopers after a traumatic incident
- The bill has passed both chambers of the Legislature
- The measure stems from a 2022 incident in Buffalo
Trooper Anthony Nigro responded to a high-speed chase on the 190 in Erie County back in February 2022.
“It was chaotic, dangerous and frightening,” said Nigro.
The incident led Nigro into downtown Buffalo, where he fatally shot the suspect involved.
“It lasted all of 10 seconds, but the aftermath has lasted for years,” said Nigro.
Nigro was charged with manslaughter until a judge found him not guilty in March of last year.
He joined state Assemblyman Pat Burke and others Thursday calling on Hochul to sign legislation establishing a critical incident leave policy for State Police.
“These incidents take a serious toll on our physical [and] mental health,” said Nigro.
Burke co-sponsored the measure, which passed both chambers of the state Legislature in June.
He says it would increase paid leave for troopers directly involved in an incident from three days to 20, if they choose to use it, and 15 days for those indirectly impacted.
“We’re not just caring for them and their mental health. We’re caring for their families and we’re caring for our whole community that is affected when police officers aren’t in a stable and healthy position,” said Burke.
Mental health leaders say the leave allows troopers the time they need to process what happened.
“It allows for the space and the support for the troopers to step back and start to heal before returning to duty,” said Sarah Lanzo, senior director of programs, Mental Health Advocates of WNY.
Leaders with the New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association were also on hand, advocating for those who’ve sworn to serve and protect to get a little protection of their own.
“It sends a clear message to our troopers: your well-being is a priority. Your mental health is not an afterthought and when the job takes a toll, you won’t be left to face it alone,” said Charles Murphy, president of the New York State Troopers PBA.
Nigro says he’s relied on the union, friends and family.
“Mental health isn’t a luxury and it isn’t a weakness,” he said. “It’s as essential as our vests, radios and body cameras. The reality of our job is that it’s entirely unpredictable. The next critical accident could happen at any time.”
The governor’s office responded to a request for comment, saying Hochul will review the legislation, as no decision has been made at this time and she has until the end of the year to do so.
