Nonprofit Police Panel Unveiled by Chief Parks

Los Angeles Police Chief Bernard C. Parks on Wednesday used his first anniversary in office to kick off a new nonprofit police foundation that will help the LAPD purchase big-ticket items not covered by taxpayer money.

Parks has gathered a number of powerful business and civic leaders to run the Los Angeles Police Foundation, and at the first luncheon meeting of the foundation’s board of directors Wednesday, $500,000 was pledged.

The chief said the foundation will raise money to fund equipment needs, innovative training programs and cutting-edge technology. For example, he said, the foundation could be used to help repair and replace the LAPD’s bicycle fleet, which frequently is not covered in the department’s annual budget.

Other items that could be funded by the foundation, Parks said, include: night-vision glasses, digital cameras and tape recorders.

The foundation, which was the brainchild of Parks’ wife Bobbie, is modeled after similar nonprofit organizations that assist police in New York and New Orleans, he said.

Philanthropist Pamela Mullin has been selected as the foundation’s first president. Founding members of the board of directors include developer Ira Yellin, home building tycoon Eli Broad, Universal Studios chief executive Frank J. Biondi, Jr., Arco Chairman Mike R. Bowlin, prominent attorney Gilbert T. Ray, and advertising executive Ronald J. Rogers.

“There is no doubt in my mind that this foundation and its financial assistance will place the Los Angeles Police Department at the forefront of this country’s law enforcement agencies,” Parks said. “I want to thank all the board members for making Los Angeles’ public safety a priority.”

As envisioned by Parks, the chief’s office will set funding priorities and present those needs to the board of directors, which will review the requests and dole out the money.

Parks said the foundation will seek donations in money as well as “in-kind services” such as print work or advertising.

The chief also said the foundation will act as an “umbrella organization” so individual LAPD divisions do not have to solicit the community for money to fund needs in their areas. Parks, however, said the foundation will not replace existing charitable funds that assist the department, such as the Police Memorial Fund.