Police Department awarded $200K grant to support officer mental health

Published on November 12, 2024

The Port St. Lucie Police Department was recently awarded a $200,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to support officer mental health. 

Serving one of Florida’s largest and fastest-growing communities, the Port St. Lucie Police Department is committed to prioritizing the mental health and well-being of its officers and civilian personnel. Recognizing the immense stress and trauma law enforcement professionals often face, the department has looked for ways to enhance its mental health support systems.

The $200,000 in funding was provided through a Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) grant over a two-year period. The grant will support the department’s peer support team through the appointment of a dedicated clinical director, a licensed mental health professional with specialized training in trauma-informed care and crisis intervention.

The Clinical Director will train and coach the PSLPD peer team, coordinate and collaborate with external resources, monitor officer exposure, and identify and facilitate critical incident debriefs. This embedded clinician will offer both sworn and civilian personnel easy access to mental health care, fostering a resilient and supportive culture within the department.

In addition to expanding access to mental health services, the department is prioritizing the continued development of its peer support team. Consisting of 12 active members who provide 24/7 support in times of crisis, the peer support team will receive advanced training through the National Association of Peer Supporters (NAPS) annual conference and other specialized opportunities. This will ensure the team is well-equipped to address the diverse and evolving needs of their colleagues.

“We want to make sure all PSLPD personnel have the resources they need to best serve the community and this grant expands access to mental health services,” said Assistant Chief of Police Leo Niemczyk “Having a mental health clinician available and support from peers trained to assist fellow officers are important tools that can help us maintain the City’s reputation for safety.”