Gifts
Since its inception in 2007, the St. Louis Police Foundation has raised more than $2 million to support needed programs, equipment and training for the Metropolitan Police Department, City of St. Louis, Missouri.
Click on the images below to learn more about our gifts.
Combat Application Tourniquets
The Foundation has provided the funding to include an important safety device, Combat Application Tourniquets (C-A-T), for all police trauma kits within the Department. The tourniquets are designed to stop severe bleeding in the event of a civilian or officer emergency.
"This is a proven life-saving device that is standard issue equipment to military personnel. The CAT's ability to stop severe bleeding is vital, given that the leading cause of death in traumatic injuries is loss of blood. Our officers are now better equipped to potentially save the life of a trauma victim or a fellow officer." - Sergeant John LaPlante
Forward Looking Infrared Device
A Forward Looking Infrared Device (FLIR) has been purchased to assist officers in night time searches. This hand held tool is able to sense body heat from suspects who may be out of view and/or detect any contraband that may be discarded. The devices are also helpful in apprehending suspects that flee from stolen vehicles.
"The Anti-Crime Task Force has been able to utilize Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) technology as a tool to locate suspects by identifying heat sources. The device has proven to be invaluable in furthering our Detectives criminal investigations." - Sergeant John Blaskiewicz
Department Vehicle Upgrades
The Foundation has provided funds for a test program to upgrade 9 vehicles for the Department's two-officer teams. The upgrades – one for each police district - provide larger, safer and more efficient vehicles to meet the demands of these specialized police teams.
Canine Unit
The Foundation has added two new members to the Metropolitan Police Department’s Canine Unit. The new canines - “Dragon” and “Hondo” - are both German Shepherd males. Although the dogs will be used for dual purpose patrol, Dragon specializes in searching for explosives while Hondo is skilled at recovering narcotics.
"The addition of two young dogs to replace aging dogs in our Canine Unit was a critical need met by the Police Foundation. These new canines will allow our unit to continue to provide the Department with uniquely trained tracking, apprehension, and explosive detection capabilities on a daily basis." - Lieutenant Michael A Deeba Sr.
Sniper Rifles for the SWAT Unit
In partnership with the Marc Bulger Foundation, the Police Foundation has provided six new sniper rifles for the SWAT Unit. These specially designed weapons provide SWAT team members with sniper level accuracy in a semiautomatic system. This is a significant upgrade to the Unit’s previous rifles which were aging and unreliable.
"With the newer gun, newer barrels and all new equipment and optics – it just means greater accuracy and that's the name of the game when it comes to being a sniper. There's no doubt in my mind that someday one of these rifles in the hands of one of our snipers is going to save somebody's life"
Helicopter Display Monitors
The Foundation provided four helicopter display monitors and mounts to the Metro Air Support Division to enhance policing from the air. The monitors display the exact location of the aircraft and location of subjects on the ground such as lost persons or crime suspects. This technology saves critical time and provides accurate information for both the aviation team and officers on the ground.
"Dual monitors allow us the ability to monitor both the FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared) and Moving Map systems simultaneously. This streamlines a search for a missing person or a wanted subject, and has led to greater success in locating both." - Sergeant Steven Schmittgens
License Plate Recognition System
The Foundation has recently approved funding for a license plate recognition system to assist officers in their daily crime fighting efforts. Once installed in a police vehicle, these systems are able to scan and record license plates as the police car encounters vehicles during normal patrols. The license plate numbers are scanned into police databases providing officers with information on matches for stolen vehicles, wanted subjects, and Amber Alerts.
"The License Plate Recognition System is like driving around with Robo Cop as your partner. It provides amazing accuracy." - Police Officer Joseph Calabro
Memorial Breakfast
In 1986, a Police Memorial Breakfast was established to remember fallen officers who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the citizens of the City of St. Louis. The Foundation and title sponsor, The Bodley Group, have been honored to underwrite this special remembrance since 2008.
Street Survival Training
The Foundation provided the opportunity for 250 officers to attend a Street Survival Training Program that focused on tactics, warning signs and use of defense weapons to keep officers safe. This is a very intense, well known training program used by top law enforcement agencies around the country. The Foundation plans to provide additional training for more officers.
"The Street Survival Training was one of the best training courses I have participated in during my 17 years on the police force." - Sergeant Brian Hosie
ATV's
To help address crime initiatives in Forest Park, the Foundation provided two all-terrain vehicles for police officers patrolling this area. Given the diverse terrain, large coverage area and constant activity in Forest Park, ATV’s are superior to any other method of transportation for policing of the park.
"These ATVs are invaluable when it comes to patrolling Forest Park and keeping St. Louis' largest and busiest park safe." - Sgt. Brian Hosie
"These ATVs give us the ability to reach areas of the park we weren't able to reach before. With these we can go cross country, over the curbs and wherever we need to go." - Officer Anna Biondolilo
Mobile Ticketing
In partnership with the City of St Louis, the Foundation provided funding to expand mobile ticketing to all patrol vehicles for the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. This allows all officers to automate the entire process improving efficiency and productivity.
"It's technology like this that helps increase my productivity and increases my ability to make a difference." -
Officer Chris Muench
In-Car Camera Program
In partnership with the Ruth Davis and Wylie Todd Charitable Foundation, an in-car camera program has been provided for the Police Department. This new technology serves as an important policing tool for officers by recording vital information and providing an unbiased account of events as it occurs on the scene. After an initial phase of providing this technology for 20 vehicles, the program has grown and now all 140 district police vehicles are equipped with in-car cameras.
"The in-car camera system really aids the credibility of the Officer in the street. As situations unfold rapidly these things are documented and obviously video evidence is irrefutable." -
Officer Brian Percich
"The in car camera caught everything on video tape which lead to his apprehension." -
Officer Joe Haman – shot 8 times in a police shooting on May 27, 2010
K-9 Training Facility Fence
Located at 13300 Bellefontaine Road, the Metropolitan Police Department’s K-9 Division Training Center received new fencing surrounding the entire facility. The new fence provides a safe and secure training environment for both the dogs and their handlers. The project consisted of 916 feet of fencing, 8 gates, and one electronic gate operator system.
Commemorative Challenge Coins
To celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the Metropolitan Police Department as well as the K-9 Division’s 50th Anniversary, a commemorative coin was minted. These coins, which are modeled after the coins commonly used by our armed forces personnel, proudly display both the department seal and canine patch. Each department employee was given a commemorative coin as part of this bi-centennial celebration.
Air Conditioning for Academy Gym
The Metropolitan Police Department’s Police Academy has never had air conditioning in the gymnasium. The Police Foundation has donated the labor and materials to provide air conditioning service to the Academy Fitness Center Gymnasium. This donation will provide a better environment for the recruits who use the gym as part of their training, as well as for the active officers who use the facility to implement a workout routine.
Purchase of a horse for the Mounted Patrol Unit
The Metropolitan Police Department’s Mounted Patrol Unit used Foundation funding to purchase a horse and provide for his care for a year. “Clyde”, who was rescued by the Humane Society after he was found living in deplorable conditions, provides extra visibility and crime fighting efforts in Forest Park.
Donation of 2800 Tac Wear Cool Max Shirt
The Foundation provided every commissioned officer with two Tac Wear Cool Max shirts to increase comfort while wearing the Department issued body armor. These shirts, which keep the body cool in the summer and warm in the winter, will make wearing the body armor more comfortable in extreme weather conditions.
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