REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on the Approval of Officer Wellness and Mental Health Grant Program Funding from the Board of State and Community Corrections and Approve Related Budget Amendment (Deferred from January 31, 2023)
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Deliver and Enhance High Quality Efficient Services and Infrastructure
BACKGROUND
The Officer Wellness and Mental Health Grant Program, established in the 2022 Budget Act (Assembly Bill 178, Chapter 45, Statutes of 2022), provides $50 million for city and county law enforcement agencies for the purpose of improving officer wellness and expanding mental health sources.
DISCUSSION
The Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) is responsible to process disbursements to eligible law enforcement agencies.
The Santa Clara Police Department (Police Department) meets the requirements to receive a one-time allocation from the Officer Wellness and Mental Health Grant Program. The award amount was determined by the number of officers as described in Penal Code section 830.1. The Police Department will receive $98,292 to be used for any of the following purposes:
• Establishing or expanding officer wellness units
• Establishing or expanding peer support units
• Services provided by a licensed mental health professional, counselor or other professional that works with law enforcement
• Expanding multiagency mutual aid programs focused on officer wellness and mental health
• Other programs and services that are evidence-based or have a successful track record of enhancing officer wellness
In early 2023, the Police Department will participate in a webinar to learn more about the funding guidelines, reporting requirements and corresponding deadlines.
Over the years, the Police Department has implemented physical, mental/emotional, spiritual, financial, occupational and environmental programs led by volunteers with expertise in these areas. In July 2022, the Police Department initiated a six-month pilot program by hiring a Wellness Coordinator. The Wellness Coordinator was expected to rely on the strong foundation currently being voluntarily led by department members in collateral assignments and was charged with increasing participation in these initiatives, identifying service gaps, delivering new resources and bringing much needed consistency to these very important programs. The Officer Wellness and Mental Health Grant Program funding will enhance the Police Department’s ability to implement solutions that mitigate burnout, exhaustion, anxiety, depression, injury, trauma and chronic stress associated with working in law enforcement.
The grant will close on December 1, 2025. Any remaining funds at the conclusion of the grant must be returned to the BSCC; those funds will then be returned to the state’s general fund.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(4) in that it is a fiscal activity that does not involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potential significant impact on the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
Acceptance of this $98,292 in BSCC funding is in line with the Police Departments ongoing commitment to employee well-being. The budget amendment below recognizes the grant amount and appropriates it to the Police Department in the Police Operating Grant Trust Fund.
Budget Amendment
FY 2022/23
|
|
Current |
Increase/ (Decrease) |
Revised |
|
Police Operating Grant Trust Fund |
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
|
|
|
|
Grant Funding - Board of State and Community Corrections |
$0 |
$98,292 |
$98,292 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expenditure |
|
|
|
|
Board of State and Community Corrections |
$0 |
$98,292 |
$98,292 |
There will be an unknown amount of staff time required to attend funding guideline webinar(s), complete reporting obligations and associated administrative requirements. Further details will be provided by BSCC in the coming months however there is no indication these administrative expenses will be reimbursable through this funding source.
COORDINATION
This report was coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office and Finance Department.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
1. Approve Officer Wellness and Mental Health Grant Program Funding from the Board of State and Community Corrections; and
2. Approve the FY 2022/23 budget amendment in the Police Operating Grant Trust Fund to recognize grant revenue in the amount of $98,282 and establish a Board of State and Community Corrections appropriation in the amount of $98,282 (five affirmative Council votes required to appropriate additional revenue).
Staff
Reviewed by: Pat Nikolai, Chief of Police
Approved by: Rajeev Batra, City Manager’s Office