The State of Texas, Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, applies for and accepts grants annually for Criminal Justice purposes. The City of Allen Police Department is submitting a grant application to provide partial (salary) funding for a Mental Health Coordinator. This would be a new position for the police department.

This full-time position would work with all areas of the police department to address mental health issues in our community. Every year officers encounter more than 200 persons who are in some form of immediate crisis and may want to hurt themselves and/or others. Additionally, there are other residents in our community that struggle day-to-day with various mental health conditions.

The department's Mental Health Coordinator will serve as a valuable resource for these individuals so that they can receive the help and services they need. 

The grant application is requesting funding in the amount of $70,000. The city will cover all expenses past this amount which could include fringe benefits, overtime, and other miscellaneous expenses. This amount should not exceed $30,000 annually. If awarded, the City will pursue annual grant extensions (typically 3 years total) and then upon exhaustion of the grant award will request that funding for the position be absorbed into the General Fund. 

Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for, accept, reject, alter, or terminate a one-year grant from the State of Texas, Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division to fund a Mental Health Coordinator.

I make a motion to adopt Resolution No. _________________ authorizing the City Manager to apply for, accept, reject, alter, or terminate a one-year grant from the State of Texas, Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division to fund a Mental Health Coordinator.