Kent county sheriffs office requests funding to support its officer wellness program

The Department of Justice Offices Boards and Divisions Community Oriented Policing Program awarded $200,000 to Kent County, Michigan on October 1, 2025, under the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (CFDA 16.070) to support an officer wellness program operated by the Kent County Sheriff's Office.

The program delivers stress management, trauma awareness, and mental health training to sheriff deputies, with instruction on recognizing early signs of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Training for family members addresses the unique pressures of law enforcement work, communication skills, and resilience-building to reduce stigma around help-seeking and promote proactive self-care among officers and their households.

The award funds activity through September 30, 2027, with place of performance at Wyoming, Michigan. Kent County serves as the recipient and prime administrator, responsible for semiannual programmatic performance reports and quarterly federal financial reports to the COPS Office, which retains monitoring authority including site visits and compliance reviews. Extensions up to 12 additional months may be approved by the Office of Community Oriented Services Director upon request.

The program is designed to support the emotional and psychological well-being of law enforcement personnel and their families. Under this program, sheriff deputies will receive training to educate about stress management, trauma awareness, and early signs of mental health challenges such as ptsd, anxiety, and depression. IT also offers training for family members to help them understand the unique pressures of police work, improve communication, and build resilience at home. By promoting a culture of wellness, the program reduces stigma around seeking help and encourages proactive self-care. This program will enhance both job performance and personal relationships, ultimately contributing to a healthier, more balanced, and effective law enforcement workforce.