This proposal seeks funding to expand and enhance mental health and wellness resources for the officers of vinita park police department, the north county police cooperative (and the eight communities…

The Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Program awarded the City of Vinita Park $200,000 on October 1, 2025, under the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (CFDA 16.070) to expand mental health and wellness resources for officers of the Vinita Park Police Department and the North County Police Cooperative, which provides police services to eight communities.

The award funds hiring of professional counselors to provide on-site and on-call mental health services to officers, establishing and training a peer support network within the department, developing and delivering stress management and trauma recovery training (including paid time off and retreats), and expanding access to confidential hotlines and telehealth services for officers and their families. The program targets improved officer mental health and decision-making to foster safer communities and strengthen community trust.

Performance will occur in Overland, Missouri 63114, with a period of performance from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2027. The Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act program supports state, local, tribal, or territorial law enforcement agencies implementing new or enhancing existing programs offering training and services on officer emotional and mental health, peer mentoring, suicide prevention, stress reduction, and family support services.

This proposal seeks funding to expand and enhance mental health and wellness resources for the officers of vinita park police department, the north county police cooperative (and the eight communities IT provides police services to), ensuring they have the necessary support to perform their duties effectively while fostering trust and safety within the communities they serve. To effectively address the mental health and wellness needs of vinita park's police department, the north county police cooperative, this proposal seeks to hire professional counselors to oversee a program and provide on-site and on-call services for officers, establish and train a peer support network within the department, develop regular training on stress management, intense trauma recovery through PTO and retreats, and mental health awareness tailored to law enforcement, and expand access to confidential hotlines and telehealth services for officers and their families. The expected outcomes include improved officer mental health and decision-making on the job, leading to safer communities.