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CC - CONSENT ITEM - Approval of an Application for $200,000 in Grant Funds from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, FY24 Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) Implementation Projects.
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Meeting Date: April 8, 2024
Contact Person/Dept: Lieutenant Michael VanHook/ Police Department
Phone Number: (310) 253-6202
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [] General Fund: Yes [X] No []
Attachments: Yes [] No [X]
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (04/03/2024)
Department Approval: Jason Sims, Police Chief (03/19/2024)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council approve an application for, grant funds in the amount of $200,000 from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, FY24 Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) Implementation Projects.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The 2024 LEMHWA program is a competitive grant program that provides funding to improve the delivery of and access to mental health and wellness services for law enforcement. LEMHWA program funds are used to improve the delivery of and access to mental health and wellness services for law enforcement officers and their families through the implementation of peer support, training, family resources, suicide prevention, and other promising practices for wellness programs. The grant will fund projects that develop knowledge, increase awareness of effective mental health and wellness strategies, improve law enforcement's skills and abilities, and study other promising best practices for wellness programs.
Good mental and psychological health is just as essential as good physical health for law enforcement officers to be effective in keeping our communities safe from crime and violence. The LEMHWA program supports efforts to protect the mental health and well-being of law enforcement officers.
The Peer Support Team provides support, understanding, assistance and professional referrals to department employees in times of professional and personal crisis. The Peer Support Team provides peer-based counseling to all employees, both sworn and civilian.
LEMHWA Program funds will expand and enhance the Peer Support Team’s efforts in continuing to provide department employees with mental health and wellness trainings, services and resources in the following areas:
• Peer Support and Advanced Peer Support Training
• Group Crisis Intervention
• Advanced Crisis Management
• Wellness Coordinator Training
• Department Behavioral Health Training
• Suicide Prevention and Intervention
• Substance Abuse and Coping Strategies for First Responders
• Mental Health Mayday
• Emotional Intelligence
FISCAL ANALYSIS
There are no matching funds required. This is a reimbursement grant that requires quarterly program and reimbursement claim reports.
MOTION
That the City Council:
1. Approve an application forgrant funds in the amount of $200,000.00 through the FY 2024 Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) Implementation Projects; and.
2. Authorize the City Attorney to review/prepare the necessary documents; and,
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute such documents on behalf of the City.