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City approves contract with TIP, Inc. for volunteer victim-support services up to $60,000 a year
Summary
The Long Beach City Council approved an annual contract with TIP, Inc., a nonprofit volunteer trauma‑intervention program, to provide emotional aid and practical support to victims following traumatic events in an amount not to exceed $60,000 per year.
The Long Beach City Council on May 20 approved a recommendation from the Police Department to execute a contract with TIP, Inc., a nonprofit trauma intervention program, to provide victim support services across the city.
Deputy Chief Megan Zabel described TIP as a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) founded in 1985 with affiliates nationwide; Long Beach’s TIP volunteers undergo a 55-hour training academy facilitated by the police department and provide emotional and practical aid after traumatic events, she said.
“TIP volunteers provide access to comprehensive services such as professional counseling, peer support, and help arrange for shelter, food, clothing, and resource guides,” Zabel told the council.
In her presentation, Zabel said TIP volunteers are available 24/7 and have a “100% response rate when called upon.” She said the volunteers help stabilize victims and improve the police department’s overall response to traumatic incidents.
The staff recommendation authorized execution of the contract and any necessary subsequent amendments with TIP, Inc. in an annual amount not to exceed $60,000. The council approved the recommendation; the transcript records the motion as carried.
Why it matters: TIP’s volunteer response complements city services by offering immediate emotional support and resource connections after natural and unexpected deaths, serious violent crimes and other traumatic incidents. Supporters at the meeting included TIP assistant program director Susan Tanaka, who thanked the council for recognizing “the power of human connection during a crisis.”
Action details
- Vendor/Contractor: TIP, Inc. (nonprofit) - Purpose: Volunteer-based victim support services after traumatic events - Annual not-to-exceed amount: $60,000 - Vote: Motion carried (transcript records approval; roll-call numbers not specified in excerpt)
Sources: Long Beach Police Department, TIP assistant program director Susan Tanaka; Long Beach City Council meeting transcript, May 20, 2025.
