NEW ULM — Brown County commissioners unanimously authorized the Brown County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) to apply for the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Program Tuesday.

Action came on a motion by Commissioner Scott Windschitl, seconded by Dave Borchert to apply for the federal program through the U.S. Department of Justice COPS Office.

If awarded, the funds could be used on programs that develop knowledge, increase awareness of effective mental health and wellness strategies, increase the skills and abilities of law enforcement, and increase the number of law enforcement agencies using peer support, training, family resources, suicide prevention, and other wellness practices.

All local, state, territorial and tribal law enforcement agencies with primary law enforcement authority are eligible to apply for up to $9.8 million available for the program. Two-year grants are available with no local funding match.

The BCSO would apply for funding for annual employee wellness checkups and critical incident debriefings. Application deadline is April 24.

Brown County Chief Deputy Jeremy Reed said grant programs could be used for all sheriff’s office employees.

“This is definitely a needed program. I know there are a number of things that Sheriff Jason Seidl and law enforcement sees that the average citizen would not see,” said Commissioner Brian Braun.

Sheriff Seidl said Brown County Human Services Child Protection workers also see a lot of things other people don’t and they already have a related program for mental health and wellness.

The Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act Program aims to support law enforcement agencies seeking to implement new or enhance existing programs that offer training and/or services for officer mental health, peer mentoring, suicide prevention, stress reduction, and police officer family services.