Image: Princeton Police Department TX (Facebook)
Princeton City Council is set to consider three police-related grants totaling $179,620 at its March 23 meeting, focused on training, crisis response, and officer wellness.
If approved, the funding would support the Princeton Police Department through equipment upgrades, a mental health co-response program, and expanded wellness services for officers.
According to agenda materials, all funding would come from external sources and would not impact the city’s general budget.
What’s Being Proposed
The three items appear on the consent agenda, meaning they could be approved together in a single vote unless pulled for discussion.
1. Training Equipment Grant ($8,000)
The first item would accept an $8,000 grant from The NRA Foundation.
The funding would be used to purchase Simunition conversion kits, allowing officers to train with non-lethal marking rounds instead of live ammunition during realistic, scenario-based exercises.
City materials state the goal is to improve decision-making, performance, and safety in high-stress situations.
2. Mental Health Crisis Response Program ($93,000)
The second item would accept a $93,000 State Crisis Intervention Grant to establish a co-response model pairing an officer with a Licensed Professional Counselor.
According to city data:
• Over 168 mental health crisis calls were recorded annually in 2024 and 2025
• More than 300 total mental health-related calls occur each year
The program is intended to:
• provide specialized crisis response
• reduce repeat emergency calls
• connect individuals to long-term support services
The initiative would also include officer training and coordination with regional agencies.
3. Officer Mental Health and Wellness Program ($78,620)
The third item would accept a $78,620 Peace Officer Mental Health Grant focused on internal support.
Funding would be used for:
• peer support programs
• professional mental health services
• a part-time chaplain for confidential support
• wellness training and critical incident response
• data tracking and program oversight
The grant would also fund Crisis Intervention Team training and mental health certifications for up to 35 officers, with potential regional participation.
Why It Matters
Taken together, the proposals reflect a broader public safety strategy.
Rather than focusing solely on enforcement, the funding spans:
• training tools
• mental health response for residents
• internal support for officers
City materials indicate the goal is to improve both frontline response and long-term outcomes.
What Happens Next
City Council is expected to consider the items during its March 23, 2026 meeting.
Because they are on the consent agenda, they may be approved together unless pulled for individual discussion.
Bottom Line
Princeton could approve nearly $180,000 in external funding for public safety initiatives covering training, crisis response, and officer wellness.
The decision will be made Monday night.