Mental health ordinance approved

Mental health ordinance approved Brian Smith Tue, 04/02/2024 - 2:15 pm Jacksboro police and fire officials will now have more assistance when addressing mental health issues. An ordinance approved by aldermen Monday, March 25 amended the city personnel policy manual. City Manager Mike Smith said the state is requiring cities to have a mental health clause in their manual. The state is now requiring only police to have such a clause but the firefighters were added as well, due to the state expected to do it in the next session. Police Chief Bryan Corb said once police or fire officials are aware of a mental health issue involving an officer or firefighter, they go to either human resources, the city secretary or city manager. The officer is then given three days leave which allows for an extension. Corbe said the days do not count toward sick time. If an extension is warranted, after seeing a mental health professional, it will be determined when the officer is ready to come back to work. Corb said one incident last month involving a barricaded gunman rattled some officers. “Having a gun pointed at you will do that,” Corb said.” Officers and firefighters will now have up to a year off with pay if they are injured on the job. If they are able to come back within the year, they will have the same rank and duty as when they left.