Placement: New Business
Action Requested: Discussion
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To Formally Inform City Council that the Port St. Lucie Police Department will be Awarded a Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) Implementation Projects Grant for the 2024-2026 Funding Cycle in the Amount of $200,000.
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Submitted By: Leo Niemczyk, Chief of Police
Strategic Plan Link: The City’s Mission to utilize fiscal responsibility.
Executive Summary (General Business): The Port St. Lucie Police Department will be awarded a Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) Implementation Projects grant for the 2024-2026 funding cycle that will support the salary, fringe benefits for a full-time Clinical Director and approved training for our Peer Support team.
Presentation Information: N/A
Staff Recommendation: To inform Council of the grant award.
Background: The Fiscal Year 2024 Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) Program funds are used to improve the delivery of and access to mental health and wellness services for law enforcement through the implementation of peer support, training, family resources, suicide prevention, and other promising practices for wellness programs. The FY24 LEMHWA program will fund projects that develop knowledge, increase awareness of effective mental health and wellness strategies, increase the skills and abilities of law enforcement, and increase the number of law enforcement agencies and relevant stakeholders using peer support, training, family resources, suicide prevention, and other promising practices for wellness programs.
Issues/Analysis: The Port St. Lucie Police Department's LEMHWA implementation project will enhance Peer Support team initiatives by funding a full-time Clinical Director. This professional will provide education and guidance to the Peer Support team, attend CISM debriefing sessions, and deliver training on PTSD, suicide prevention, depression, anxiety, and stress management during in-service training. By prioritizing mental health and wellness, the department aims to improve support services for all personnel through this initiative.
Financial Information: The Port St. Lucie Police Department (PSLPD) intends to utilize the FY24 Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) Program funds, totaling $200,000. The grant period is from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2026, and there is no matching requirement for this grant.
Special Consideration: N/A
Location of Project: Port St. Lucie Police Department
Attachments: Award Package
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: 24292-03
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by Russell Ward, Deputy City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by Richard Berrios, City Attorney.