Harris county will use FY24 lemhwa funding to expand mental health awareness and community policing efforts by expanding the delivery of behavioral health trainings (e.g., crisis intervention…

This $200,000 Project Grant award from the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (CFDA 16.710 - Public Safety Partnership and Community Policing Grants) will support Harris County's efforts to expand mental health awareness and community policing initiatives. The key activities include providing specialized behavioral health training, such as crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques, to law enforcement officers. Additionally, the grant will fund the development of a peer support program within the county's law enforcement agency to promote officer well-being and resiliency. By partnering with mental health professionals, community stakeholders, and academic institutions, this project aims to improve public safety, foster positive community relations, and ensure a more effective and compassionate response to mental health crises. The project period is from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2026.

Harris county will use FY24 lemhwa funding to expand mental health awareness and community policing efforts by expanding the delivery of behavioral health trainings (e.g., crisis intervention training) to law enforcement officers and building a robust peer support program within a large agency. Project activities include delivering specialized mental health training to officers with a focus on trainings covering crisis intervention, DE-escalation, and communication strategies. Additionally, this project focuses on recruitment and training of peer support volunteers throughout the agency, evaluation of peer support contacts and training needs, and development of revised written peer support operating procedures consistent with best practice guidelines to promote officer well-being and resiliency. By partnering with mental health professionals, community stakeholders, and academic institutions, this project seeks to improve public safety, foster positive community relations, and ensure a more effective and compassionate response to mental health crises.