AL SB395

Requires every law enforcement agency to mandate periodic mental health assessments for all officers as a condition of continued employment, effective January 1, 2022.

Mental health assessments must be conducted by a board-certified psychiatrist or licensed psychologist with experience diagnosing and treating post-traumatic stress disorder, with results provided to both the officer and agency head.

Officers must submit to assessments at least once every five years, though agencies may stagger scheduling so all officers are evaluated over a five-year period.

Allows agencies to waive assessments for officers retiring within six months and to require additional assessments for good cause with written notice; officers must comply within 30 days.

New hires from other law enforcement agencies or jurisdictions must submit to an assessment within six months of hire, with consideration given to their most recent assessment date.