The hammond police department will use FY24 lemhwa funding to support annual mental health wellness checks, offering both sworn and non-sworn members the opportunity to schedule yearly appointments…

The Hammond Police Department was awarded a $200,000 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) under the Public Safety Partnership and Community Policing Grants program (CFDA 16.710). The funding will support the department's mental health wellness initiatives, including annual mental health checks for sworn and non-sworn personnel, providing access to licensed mental health professionals for counseling and critical incident stress management services. Additionally, the grant will fund a peer-to-peer support program and officer/family resiliency programs to foster a culture of organizational resilience. This grant aligns with the COPS Office's mission to assist law enforcement agencies in implementing community policing strategies that build partnerships and address public safety issues.

The hammond police department will use FY24 lemhwa funding to support annual mental health wellness checks, offering both sworn and non-sworn members the opportunity to schedule yearly appointments with licensed mental health professionals. These checks serve as a proactive measure, delving into topics such as resilience, ptsd, substance abuse, family dynamics, and self-care strategies. The agency will also provide mental health counseling services, critical incident stress management (cism) services following traumatic events. These include licensed mental health professionals and social workers, and these services include critical incident stress debriefing (cisd). Furthermore, a peer-to-peer support program to connect with peers facing similar challenges. This initiative encompasses various support groups, substance use programming, family support services, and administrative assistance aimed at fostering a culture of organizational resilience. Funding will also support officer and family resiliency support programs emphasize the importance of building resilience both individually and within familial contexts. Through these efforts, the hammond police department aims to foster a supportive environment that prioritizes the mental health of its members and their families, ultimately enhancing their overall readiness and effectiveness in serving the community.