ALBANY, N.Y. (Jan. 12, 2026) — Following Gov. Kathy Hochul’s 2025 veto of legislation (S2681/A6452) that would have established a nation-leading critical incident leave policy for the New York State Police, the New York State Troopers PBA today launched billboards in Albany and Buffalo calling on her to protect their members’ mental health in the soon-to-be-released executive budget.
“Governor Hochul has repeatedly said she believes in supporting law enforcement and has also recognized the need to strengthen mental health support for those who put their lives on the line to protect New Yorkers. Establishing a critical incident leave policy for the New York State Police helps accomplish both of those goals,” said New York State Troopers PBA President Charles W. Murphy. “Our Troopers put their own well-being on the line every day to keep all of us safe. Supporting their mental health is a key step toward demonstrating the state’s commitment to law enforcement and helping reverse recruitment and retention issues that are only exacerbating burnout among our ranks.”
The critical incident leave legislation passed both chambers of the state Legislature last June with overwhelming bipartisan support and would have provided up to 20 days of paid leave for Troopers directly involved in a use-of-force incident resulting in serious injury or death, while those indirectly involved would be eligible for up to 15 days of paid leave.
This voluntary policy would ensure that Troopers are not penalized financially or professionally for taking sufficient time to process trauma, recover, and prepare to safely return to duty. As the governor herself recently and rightly said, what members of law enforcement see and endure on a daily basis takes a toll on their mental health, and they need opportunities to confidentially seek help without fear of stigma or job loss.
The National Institutes of Health reports that PTSD rates among law enforcement officers can be as high as 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 over the course of their careers.