n 2019, 228 police officers died by suicide in the United States, eclipsing line-of-duty deaths that same year by nearly 60 percent.  In 2021, that number increased to 632 law enforcement deaths and nearly 25% of those were self-inflicted. Suicide ranked second among law enforcement deaths that year.  The Texas Law Enforcement Peer Network (TLEPN) was established out of Senate Bill 64 (87th Texas Legislature).  TLEPN is a state-wide program designed to give Texas law enforcement officers access to resources and end law enforcement suicides. The Caruth Police Institute at the University of North Texas at Dallas, partnered with The Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute to train active police officers to be peers to help fellow officers address stressors, trauma, fatigue, and other needs to help combat workforce burnout and end police suicide and self-harm.

The Texas Law Enforcement Peer Network needs Peers who are willing to stand in the gap between hope and hopelessness for fellow officers.  Active Texas Peace Officers defined in Texas CCP Article 2.12 (1-4) wishing to serve as peers in the TLEPN. 

**Police Chaplains, Fire/ EMS Personnel, or local Mental Health Professionals interested in attending can also attend the 16-hour class.