WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), a former FBI Special Agent, was joined by Representatives Emilia Sykes (OH-13), Don Bacon (NE-2), and Glenn Ivey (MD-4) in introducing the Law Enforcement Scenario-Based Training for Safety and De-escalation Act— bipartisan legislation aimed at improving officer readiness, enhancing public trust, and making communities across the country safer.
Endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, the bill directs the Department of Justice—through the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS)—to develop and support immersive, scenario-based training programs. These programs would address key issues including de-escalation, crisis intervention, community engagement, and decision-making under stress. It also establishes a federal grant program to help state and local law enforcement agencies implement this training, ensuring that departments of all sizes and locations have access to these critical resources.
“As a former FBI Special Agent, I’ve worked alongside law enforcement professionals who put their lives on the line every day to protect and serve with honor,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “This bipartisan legislation is about giving them the tools they need to do that job safely, effectively, and with the highest standards. By investing in real-world, scenario-based training, we’re equipping our brave officers with the resources to reduce risk, strengthen public trust, and foster safer communities across America. This is how we support those who protect us.”
The legislation responds directly to calls from officers and public safety leaders for better training in high-stress, complex encounters—particularly those involving individuals experiencing mental health or behavioral crises. It ensures that officers are not placed in impossible situations without the resources or preparation they need to respond appropriately.
“Our communities are safest when the brave men and women of law enforcement have the tools, training, and support they need to succeed,” Fitzpatrick added. “This legislation is a reflection of that commitment—supporting those who serve on the front lines and strengthening the bond between officers and the communities they are sworn to protect.”
“Every person deserves to feel safe and secure in their communities. This commonsense, bipartisan legislation brings together a variety of stakeholders to put people and safety first,” said Rep. Sykes. “Ensuring law enforcement departments at all levels have access to de-escalation training will save lives and make our communities safer for everyone. At the end of the day, we want our citizens and law enforcement officers to go home safely to their families. This legislation is an important step towards doing that and rebuilding mutual trust between law enforcement and the communities they have sworn to protect and serve.”
“Arming our law enforcement with de-escalation skills is necessary for when they encounter those who may be suffering from mental illness or suicidal tendencies,” said Rep. Bacon. “With nearly six in ten police encounters involving people with serious mental illness, this bill will provide the training on alternatives to use of force and de-escalation that law enforcement wants and needs to better address mental and behavioral health and suicidal crises.”
“Police officers have a tough job. They need the tools to deal with complex situations including domestic violence, mental health emergencies and cultural and situational sensitivity to protect our communities in a more holistic, thorough, and comprehensive approach. That’s why I am proud to co-lead this legislation to put in place scenario-based training for police. We must leverage federal resources to help our communities to get the best possible outcomes – fewer injuries, deaths, and in-custody excessive use of force cases for officers and civilians. I applaud my colleague from Ohio Rep Emilia Sykes and our colleagues from across the aisle Reps. Bacon and Fitzpatrick for leading this bipartisan effort,” said Rep. Ivey.
“Law enforcement officers face a wide variety of situations while on the job, so it is imperative that officers have access to the most comprehensive and updated training available to prepare them for whatever scenario they encounter. This legislation would authorize Federal resources to help State and local law enforcement agencies create immersive, real-life, scenario-based training curriculum which will improve community-police relations, as well as officer safety and resilience. This kind of scenario-based training will also improve an officer’s critical decision-making, problem-solving, and crisis intervention skills. We believe that wider access to this type of training is critical for officers to successfully protect and serve their community,” said Patrick Yoes, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police.
Across the country, law enforcement agencies—particularly those in smaller or under-resourced jurisdictions—often lack the capacity to offer advanced training on their own. This bill levels the playing field, ensuring all officers, regardless of department size or location, have access to high-quality, real-life training that improves safety, reduces the use of force, and builds lasting trust.
This effort builds on Congressman Fitzpatrick’s broader bipartisan work to support law enforcement, expand access to mental health resources, and deliver practical reforms that strengthen both public safety and community relations.
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