PBA statement on mental health plan

PBA President Patrick J. Lynch said: 

“New Yorkers who are experiencing severe mental illness cannot be left to suffer on our streets and subways. They need to be helped, especially when they are unable to seek or accept help on their own. With that said, we will need to hear more about the role police officers will play in this new plan. We need extremely clear guidance and training on when and how we should compel people to accept help. We need our leaders to back us up when we carry out these duties. And – above all – we need our leaders to recognize that each new responsibility is a strain on our severely understaffed, overworked and underpaid ranks.  If our city does not take immediate action to reverse the NYPD staffing emergency, we won’t be able to adequately help any of the New Yorkers who need it.”