The waco police department (waco PD) requests $198,534.00 in lemhwa funding to strengthen internal mental health and wellness programs for both sworn and civilian staff

The Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Program awarded the City of Waco $198,534 on October 1, 2025, under the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (CFDA 16.070) to strengthen internal mental health and wellness programs for sworn and civilian staff at the Waco Police Department.

The funding supports national-level training in trauma-informed leadership and emotional intelligence for over 75 formal and informal peer support leaders; provision of a wellness library and equipping of in-house trainers to deliver Dignity in Policing training to all staff beyond the grant period; financial stress management training reaching hundreds of officers and spouses to reduce household financial stress; co-pay coverage for 425 or more expected counseling sessions with a licensed trauma-informed therapist; and implementation of benchmark analytics software to track critical incident exposure patterns and identify officers at highest risk for burnout, trauma, or behavioral issues.

The award obligated $198,533 and runs through September 30, 2027, with place of performance in Waco, Texas. Recipients must submit semiannual programmatic performance reports and quarterly Federal Financial Reports. The COPS Office will conduct award monitoring through site visits, office-based reviews, and periodic surveys to verify compliance with programmatic and financial requirements and the nonsupplanting requirement.

The proposed projects will allow more sworn and civilian employees access to mental health services, equip employees with tools to build emotional resilience, and improve leadership support. The project willprovide national-level training to peer support leaders; provide access to a wellness library, equip in-house trainers to continue providing dignity in policing training to all staff beyond the grant period. Through a combination of specialized training, peer support enhancements, mental health resources, and wellness tools, the project will directly train over 75 formal and informal leaders in trauma-informed leadership and emotional intelligence (hidden hazards of policing course). Reach hundreds of officers and spouses through financial COP training, helping to reduce stress and improve household stability. Support 425+ expected counseling sessions through CO-pay coverage with a licensed trauma-informed therapist. Track and intervene on critical incident exposure patterns using benchmark analytics software, protecting those at highest risk for burnout, trauma, or behavioral issues.