COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Christopher Williams, Chief of Police
DATE: September 1, 2026
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing the Submission of an Application for the 2026 U.S. Department of Justice Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act Program Grant
Description:
The City Council will consider adopting a Resolution approving the submission of an application for the 2026 U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act Program grant to enhance the Santa Maria Police Department’s existing employee and family wellness services.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Adopt a Resolution authorizing the submission of an application for the 2026 U.S.
Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act Program grant; and
2. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to submit the grant application.
BACKGROUND:
The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office), administers the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) Program. The program funds state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies to establish or enhance services supporting employee and family mental health, including counseling, peer support, suicide prevention, stress reduction, and family resources.
The Santa Maria Police Department (SMPD) currently provides a foundation of confidential counseling , clinician wellness visits, critical -incident support, peer support services, and wellness training through contracted services and SMPD's Peer Support Team. The proposed project would expand the content, availability, and structure of the current services.
DISCUSSION:
SMPD submitted an application under Category 2: FY 2026 Enhanced LEMHWA Implementation Projects. If awarded, the 24 -month grant will run from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2028. The project will expand confidential counseling and clinician access for sworn personnel, dispatchers, civilian employees, and eligible immediate family members; provide mandatory clinician wellness check -ins for officers, crime 2 laboratory personnel, and dispatchers; and establish a formal critical -incident response and long-term follow-up process.
The project will also strengthen SMPD's Peer Support Team through foundational and advanced training, recurring clinical consultation, structured team support, and clear referral and confidentiality standards. Fa mily education, suicide prevention, retirement - transition education, resilience workshops, and trauma -informed leadership training will support earlier help-seeking and a department-wide culture of wellness. Services will be contracted and de -identified ag gregate program data while protecting clinical confidentiality. Awarded funding will be used for contracted services and for employee travel to attend specialized training.
Fiscal Considerations
No local match is required. If awarded, the City will receive up to $250,000 in federal grant funds. The proposed project does not require a General Fund contribution; continuation of grant-funded services beyond the award period would be subject to future City budget approval.
Impact on the Community
Improving access to confidential, law-enforcement-specific wellness services will support a healthier and more resilient workforce, strengthen retention and readiness, and help employees recover from cumulative and critical -incident stress. Supporting employees and their families promotes sound decision -making, reliable public -safety service, and positive community outcomes.
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Resolution