Title
Consider and take action on a resolution authorizing the submission of a grant application to the Governor’s Office to seek funding for the State Crisis Intervention Grant Program to offset costs associated with equipping and training the department’s new Mental Health Unit and authorizing the acceptance of such a grant if awarded (Chief of Police)
Background:
If approved, this resolution will allow the submission of a grant proposal to the Governor’s Office to seek funding for the State Crisis Intervention Grant Program to offset costs associated with equipping and training the department’s new Mental Health Unit. Mental health-related calls for service are a growing area of police response in the United States, and League City is no exception.
In 2023, the League City Police Department had 775 total calls for service that required patrol response for a citizen in crisis: just over two a day, on average. Of those calls, 162 resulted in patrol officers completing an Emergency Detention Order (EDO): almost one every other day. This does not account for the number of times patrol offices were able to handle the call by other means, for example, having a family member take the victim to the hospital for a voluntary evaluation or a referral to a third-party mental health provider to follow up with evaluation and treatment.
As a result, the department has implemented a multi-faceted approach to the mental health issues facing our community. We have started training, and will continue to train, as many officers as possible to become certified Mental Health Officers. Using this group, our goal is to have as many certified officers as possible available across all four patrol shifts with a greater knowledge-base and skill set to effectively respond to citizens in crisis. A new Mental Health division has also been created within the department, with four personnel currently assigned and two additional personnel joining the division by the end of the year. These officers will also proactively work with our internal Crime Victims Liaisons, and will partner with third-party mental health resources, such as Gulf Coast Center, in order to aid citizens who need/seek definitive care. With this grant, we would be able to fund the purchase of non-patrol vehicles, and costs associated with equipping and training personnel assigned to the newly formed Mental Health Division.
This grant will fund 100% of this project with no required City match. However, if the project is funded by the State, the grant does require the City to purchase the requested items and seek reimbursement through the Governor’s Office.
Attachments:
1. Data Sheet
2. Proposed Resolution
3. FY2025 Grant Crisis Intervention Grant Program Announcement
4. Pre-Approval Grant Form
5. State Crisis Intervention Expenditure Spreadsheet
FUNDING
{ } Funds are available from Account #________
{x} Requires Budget Amendment. If approved, a budget amendment is required to increase Police Mental Health Division account by $388,830 to be offset by the same amount in a grant revenue account for Police Mental Health Division Grant.
{ } NOT APPLICABLE
STRATEGIC PLANNING
{ } Addresses Strategic Planning Critical Success Factor # ______
{x} NOT APPLICABLE