Charlestown Police Department hopes new paid leave program will reduce officer burnout

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The city of Charlestown, Indiana, will roll out a new incentive for its police officers.

City leaders recently approved a Rejuvenation Program giving officers two weeks off after five years of service.

The program is believed to be the first of its kind in the state. The time off is fully paid, and doesn't come out of vacation, sick or personal days.

"This program provides proactive mental health support for our officers," Police Chief Eric Kruse said in a social media post Tuesday.

To qualify, officers must complete five years of full-time service. They will be eligible again every five years after that.

Officials said the goal is to reduce burnout, improve morale and support officers' mental health.

"We feel this will support and improve long-term mental and career health," Kruse said. "The other desirable is to enhance overall job performance upon return."