The Texas Law Enforcement Peer Network (TLEPN) was created from Senate Bill 64 in the 87th Texas Legislature to establish a state supported peer support network for law enforcement officers through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE). Recognizing that the act of policing can expose officers to extraordinary stress and trauma, with one study finding officers witness an average of 188 “c
ritical incidents” during their careers, Texas lawmakers understood the necessity for a confidential law enforcement peer support network to help connect with officers exposed to traumatic incidents and those suffering from mental health
conditions. Officer’s constant exposure to high stress situations, danger, and death exerts a
psychological toll on law enforcement that can result in mental health illnesses such as
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, depression, and even suicide - with
rates of PTSD among police officers as much as five times higher than rates in the civilian
population. The Texas Law Enforcement Peer Network aims to address this issue by providing training and support to law enforcement agencies and their officers to help destigmatize mental illness so that Texas peace officers are able to find and access mental health care when and where they need it. Confidentiality
Pursuant to Texas Occupations Code 1701.624, Information relating to a law enforcement
officer's participation in peer-to-peer support and other peer-to-peer services under the
network is confidential and may not be disclosed under Chapter 552, Government Code, by:
1. a law enforcement agency that employs a law enforcement officer participant; or
3. any other state agency or political subdivision in this state that employs a law enforcement officer participant. Additionally, all information shared by the officer with the peer may not be disclosed by the
peer to any other person or entity. Exceptions to this confidentiality agreement include but are not limited to:
(1) the extent disclosure is necessary to prevent the commission of an act that is likely to result in a clear imminent risk of serious physical injury or death of a person or persons;
(2) when disclosure is required by a valid and present court order; or
(3) disclosure upon written consent of the member receiving peer services. Protections Related to Licensure
Pursuant to Texas Occupations Code 1701.625 a law enforcement officer's participation in
peer-to-peer support and other peer-to-peer services under the network may not:
1. serve as the basis for a revocation, suspension, or denial of a license issued under this chapter; or
2. be considered in any proceeding related to the officer's licensure under this chapter.
