The Phoenix Police Foundation, a nonprofit organization that addresses unmet capital needs of the city of Phoenix Police Department, recently approved five grants providing over $100,000 in funding for the Phoenix Police Department. The grants will aim to support canine units, protective shields, cadet programs, officer volunteer programs, and the PAL Youth Basketball league lead by officers.
The Phoenix Police Canine Units will be receiving a Throwbot 2 Robot and a K9 Storm Vest ($19,519). The Throwbot 2 robot is remote controlled, allowing a preview of the environment from a protected position prior to any officer or canine entering a structure. Having knowledge of the environment and threats prior to entering a structure is difficult to achieve but allows for a much safer mission for the canines and officers. In addition, the canine units will receive K9 Storm Vests. The soft armor vest provide the K9s additional protection from pistol caliber projectiles and stabbings.
The Phoenix Police Department Downtown Operations Unit will receive two TYR Protective Ballistic Shield Kits (valued at $35,000) from the foundation. The Downtown Operations Unit (DOU) provides police coverage for the downtown Phoenix area including sporting and event venues, as well as many high-rise offices and apartment buildings. Unlike most shields, the TYR Protective Shield Kit has the capability to stand alone to provide cover and concealment without manually being held by an officer. The shield would provide DOU officers the most protection in a high-rise structure that contains long hallways or corridors.
The Phoenix Police Cadet Program provides young adults with law enforcement training, leadership skills, and experiences with an emphasis on the importance of community relationships. The program will receive $30,000 to assist with their annual expenses.
The Citizens Offering Police Support (COPS) Program will be awarded $10,000 from the Phoenix Police Foundation. The COPS program allows citizen volunteers and college interns to support the department through non-enforcement roles and assistance. The program has approximately 150 volunteers and 16 interns who contribute hundreds of volunteer hours each year. This donation will be used to purchase uniforms, safety vests, and other needs of COPS program.
Lastly, Phoenix Police Activities League (PAL) Elite Basketball Program will receive $10,000 from the Phoenix Police Foundation. The PAL Elite club provides underserved youth with positive interactions with the police while learning teamwork, sportsmanship, discipline, communication, leadership skills, and responsibility through athletics. The elite high school basketball team practices weekly and participates in numerous tournaments throughout the valley. This donation will cover expenses including tournament entry fees, equipment, and uniforms.
To approve the funding for all grants, the Phoenix Police Foundation board voted on issues that impact the community and the Phoenix Police Foundation the most. Each grant will be utilized to protect officers, build stronger community relationships, and provide equipment to serve the community. For more information on the grants, visit phoenixpolicefoundation.org.
