Onondaga County sheriff to get $100,000 grant for mental health services for officers, victims

The grant, funded through the state Division of Criminal Justice Services, will be used to expand the sheriff’s part-time chaplain position. Shelley said that program provided limited services to officers.

Shelley said a new mental health professional would be hired. The person would have mental wellness training and could provide services to police in the county, not just the sheriff’s department.

“Whether it’s a deputy that has some type of depression, has some type of issue, whether it’s an officer-involved shooting, regardless of what the issue is we’ll have a person on staff that can deal with that and can deal with those people in confidence,” Shelley said.

Shelly compared the position to being similar to a priest or a lawyer, allowing officers to feel comfortable seeking guidance and mental health services. The position will also direct crime victims to services as well, Shelly said.

The money also will help provide mental health services for crime victims and witnesses, according to a news release from Mannion.

This position is only approved for this year. But, Mannion said he is currently negotiating for state money to continue the position into next year.

“This is about keeping our community safe and healthy, both physically and mentally,” Mannion said.

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