The jacksonville state university police department plan to implement a comprehensive, campus-specific mental health and wellness program for sworn and civilian personnel

The Department of Justice's Community Oriented Policing Program awarded Jacksonville State University $199,534 on October 1, 2025, under the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (CFDA 16.070) to implement a comprehensive mental health and wellness program for the university's police department sworn and civilian personnel.

The program expands access to culturally competent mental health services through annual voluntary check-ins and a confidential referral system. Jacksonville State University will establish a peer support network, conduct quarterly in-service wellness trainings, and form a Mental Health and Wellness Committee to oversee long-term implementation and sustainability. The initiative includes a stigma-reduction campaign, collaboration with campus counseling services, and development of a joint response protocol for mental health-related incidents.

Performance is located in Jacksonville, Alabama. The award period runs through September 30, 2027. Jacksonville State University must submit programmatic performance reports semiannually and Federal Financial Reports quarterly, along with a final closeout report. The university is subject to COPS Office monitoring activities including site visits, enhanced office-based reviews, and periodic compliance surveys.

This project will improve officer well-being by expanding access to culturally competent mental health services, introducing annual voluntary check-INS, and developing a confidential referral system. A peer support network and quarterly in-service wellness trainings will build internal capacity, while a newly formed mental health and wellness committee will oversee long-term implementation and sustainability. The program also includes a stigma-reduction campaign, collaboration with campus counseling services, and the development of a joint response protocol for mental health-related incidents.