Sponsor: Sheriff's Office
Title
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Grant Award from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services for the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act
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Recommendation
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1. Ratify the submittal of the grant application to U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, in the amount of $181,900 for the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act.
2. Accept a grant award and approve a grant agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, upon execution through September 30, 2025 in the amount of $181,900.
3. Authorize the Chair and Chief Clerk execute the grant agreement.
4. Authorize the County Manager to enter into agreements and execute amendments to agreements in accordance with the county’s procurement policies and procedures, provided the amounts are within the limits of the grant funding.
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Background and Rationale
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On October 13, 2023, the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office was awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, in the amount of $181,900, for mental health and wellness services. This is the first time Ramsey County has received this grant award.
The Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act of 2017 was signed into law in January 2018, recognizing that law enforcement agencies need and deserve support in ongoing efforts to protect the mental health and well-being of employees. Mental and psychological health is just as essential as physical health for employees to be effective in serving the community.
Compared to the general public, public safety employees are at a higher risk for negative physical and mental health outcomes, including early death, injuries and illnesses, obesity, heart attacks, and sleep disorders. During the average length of a career, law enforcement officers will witness and respond to 188 critical incidents, which without preparation, support, and mental health care, can have dramatic effects on short and long term physical and mental health.
The funding provided by this grant will be used to implement a continuum of care mental health model, which includes mental health outreach events and education, establishment of a peer-to-peer counselor and support programs, and staff events highlighting the availability of mental health services.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☒ Prosperity ☐ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office employees represent a diverse workforce. Services provided by grant funds will benefit deputies and correctional officers as well as professional and support staff. Providing the needed mental health services to employees will improve the services provided to all residents of Ramsey County.
Community Participation Level and Impact
As part of the nation-wide competitive award process, the U.S. Department of Justice establishes a peer review and scoring process, which includes members from many diverse populations across the United States. Applications are evaluated on many factors, including services to underserved populations, geographic diversity, and availability of funds.
☒ Inform ☒ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
No county match funds are required. This grant totaling $181,900 upon execution to September 30, 2025 will cover costs associated with the establishment and provisioning of peer-to-peer counselor and support program, and continuum of care model mental health model.
Last Previous Action
None.
Attachments
1. Grant Agreement - Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act