Bellevue Police Foundation 2019 Grants Announced

The Bellevue Police Foundation Board of Directors last week voted to fund a number of items requested by the Bellevue Police Department through Foundation’s grant process. The Police Foundation supports Bellevue Police Department initiatives and programs that the city cannot readily fund since less than 2% of the police department’s annual budget is available for discretionary spending on equipment. The Police Foundation helps the Bellevue Police Department keep pace with rapidly evolving technology, training techniques and strategies. By supporting innovative projects, our public-private partnership provides the Bellevue Police Department with the means to launch experimental programs, expand training and further its professionalism.

The awarded grants totaled just shy of $110,000 and funded the following items:

• VirTra Use of Force Simulator for use by all BPD Units
• Throw Phone for the Crisis Response Team
• Canon Camera for the Forensic Lab
• Night Vision Monocular (1 funded of 14 requested) for Special Operations Group 
• Canopy for Volunteer Incident Response Team 

Funds were not available to fulfill all of the grant requests; however, a prioritized list was provided by the Police Department and will be granted should additional funds become available.

Police Chief Steve Mylett expressed his deep appreciation for the Foundation, saying; “The equipment funded by these grants will enhance the services we provide to the public as we continue to focus our efforts to reduce crime, reduce the fear of crime and enhance the quality of life for all who call Bellevue home!” 

About Bellevue Police Foundation

The Bellevue Police Foundation’s mission is to foster public support of the Bellevue Police Department police professionals whose dedication and personal sacrifice secures the stability that is critical to the economic and social vibrancy of the community. The Bellevue Police Foundation is registered with the State of Washington as a non-profit charitable corporation. Contributions to the Police Foundation are tax-deductible under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Our federal tax ID number is 30-6130338. For additional information visit www.bellevuepolicefoundation.org or email info@bellevuepolicefoundation.org.