The Inaugural Howard C. Liebengood Foundation Symposium: The Evolving Law Enforcement Landscape & the First Responder Mental Health Crisis 2026

Law enforcement is operating in one of the most demanding environments in modern history. Shifting public expectations, critical incidents, and ongoing organizational pressures have reshaped the profession, and the impact on officer health and agency stability has never been greater. This inaugural symposium convenes law enforcement leaders, mental health and health care experts, researchers, and bipartisan policymakers to explore practical, evidence-informed solutions. Grounded in research and lived experience, this symposium focuses on translating knowledge into action. Over two days, participants will examine the evolving policing landscape, confront the profession's mental health crisis---including elevated rates of suicide, PTSD, depression, and anxiety---and identify strategies to strengthen resilience, crisis response, and organizational leadership. This is a national symposium on the conditions that shape first responder mental health.