Mental Health Update
Critical Incident Leave for State Troopers Law Takes Effect
MHANYS is pleased to announce that New York State’s landmark law providing critical incident leave for State Troopers is now in effect. The first-in-the-nation law ensures State Troopers can receive at least 20 calendar days of paid leave when designated a primary member directly involved in a critical incident, and at least 10 calendar days if otherwise involved. Critical incidents cover State Troopers when, in the course of their official duties, the following occurs: an action that directly causes serious physical injury or death to another person or member, discharge of a firearm, traffic accident involving a division vehicle, or any other incident designated by the Superintendent of State Police. MHANYS strongly supported the enactment of this law as part of its focus on first responders’ mental health and wellness. We thank Senator Cooney and Assemblymember Burke for their steadfast leadership and dedication to making this legislation a reality. We were pleased to be part of this successful and worthy campaign.
While half of American adults will experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime, law enforcement officers experience an average of 178 over the course of their careers, according to a 2023 FBI study. This kind of repeated exposure, without time to recover, increases the likelihood of burnout, depression, and long-term health consequences.
As this law takes effect, it serves as an important reminder that the mental health of State Troopers and all first responders is paramount as they serve our communities each day. MHANYS remains committed to advancing additional initiatives to support first responders, including efforts to establish peer-to-peer support.
*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*
MEDIA CONTACT:
Claire McDonnell
(929) 777-3317
Email: claire@marathonstrategies.com
Assemblymember Patrick Burke, New York State Troopers
Mark Official Launch of Landmark Police Mental Health Policy
Landmark, Nation-Leading Legislation Gives Troopers Dedicated Time to Process and Recover After Critical Incidents
BUFFALO, N.Y. (Sep. 24, 2026) – State Assemblymember Patrick Burke and leaders of the New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association (NYSTPBA) today held a press conference at Buffalo’s Old County Hall to mark the official implementation of the state’s nation-leading critical incident leave policy.
Video of the press conference can be viewed here.
Under the new policy, Troopers are guaranteed a minimum of 20 calendar days of paid leave if they are designated as a primary member of a critical incident, and a minimum of 10 calendar days if they are otherwise directly involved. This law ensures that Troopers exposed to traumatic incidents no longer will be forced to contend with stigma or financial penalties for taking extended time off to fully recover and prepare to safely return to work.
The policy, sponsored by Assemblymember Burke and Senator Jeremy Cooney, was overwhelmingly passed by both the Senate and Assembly last year and was enacted as part of the 2026-27 state budget. The law takes effect today, Sept. 24.
“This is groundbreaking, first-in-the-nation legislation that I believe will become a model for how we take care of the people who take care of us,” said Assemblymember Patrick Burke. “Troopers see things most of us can’t imagine, and giving them time to recover after a critical incident is just common sense. We passed this with overwhelming bipartisan support, the Governor vetoed it — and we didn’t give up. We fought like hell, kept at it, and got it done.”
“Our members carry out one of the most demanding public safety missions in the nation, providing them access to immediate paid time off after a critical incident will help them process trauma and recover without facing financial or professional penalties,” said New York State Troopers PBA President Charles W. Murphy. “We are grateful for Assemblymember Burke’s persistence in pushing this legislation forward after it was vetoed in 2025. His leadership helped secure its passage and earned him the honor of our union’s Legislator of the Year. We thank him for helping secure this important protection for our Troopers and ensuring they have the support they need to return to duty ready to safely and fully serve all New Yorkers.”
“Each day, our brave New York State Troopers put their lives on the line to protect our communities,” said Senator Jeremy Cooney. “This week, my legislation to establish a uniform policy for Troopers after experiencing a critical incident was enacted into law. This is common-sense legislation that protects those who protect us, providing them with paid time to recover from physical and mental health injuries. I’m proud to have worked to get this done and help keep all New Yorkers safe.”
The National Institutes of Health reports that PTSD rates among law enforcement officers are more than double that of the general public. While about half of American adults will experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime, a 2023 FBI analysis found that members of law enforcement are exposed to an average of 178 traumatic incidents throughout their careers.
“Every day, our first responders place themselves in harm’s way to protect and serve our communities,” said Glenn Liebman, CEO of the Mental Health Association in New York State (MHANYS).
“This constant exposure to trauma, loss, and pressure can often take an intense personal toll, making access to vital mental health resources non-negotiable. We’re proud to see this law enacted and hope other law enforcement agencies will follow in the State Police’s footsteps. We thank Governor Hochul for signing it, and Asssemblyman Burke and Senator Cooney for their unwavering support.”
The critical incident policy for the New York State Police sets a nation-leading standard for how law enforcement agencies help officers address issues following traumatic incidents.
