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 b...
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