Salt Lake City Police Foundation

     The Salt Lake City Police Department is dedicated to not only protecting our communities, but to the equally important task of serving them through community building and prevention efforts so that enforcement is not necessary. The Foundation plays a key role as the gifting organization developed to provide critical resources for needs that are otherwise neglected or underfunded. SLC Chief of Police, Chris Burbank, puts the highest priority on programs such as Salt Lake Peer Court, The SLCPD Explorers Program, and the SLCPD Annual Student Art Contest. 

     The Salt Lake Peer Court is a prevention/intervention program utilized by the Salt Lake City School District. Approximately 300 youth are referred to Peer Court each year. Most frequently referred offenses are: truancy, fighting, disorderly conduct, theft, vandalism, bullying, and tobacco. This Peer Court is a restorative justice approach to hold youth accountable for their actions, to build skills, and to strengthen their ties to school and community.

     The Law Enforcement Explorer Program is a specialized Post of Learning for Life. The Post is sponsored by the Salt Lake City Police Department. The intent of exploration in law enforcement is to educate and involve youth in police operations, to interest them in possible law enforcement careers, and to build mutual understanding. The education aspect provides knowledge of the law enforcement function whether the participant enters policing or not. Through involvement, the Law Enforcement Explorer Program establishes an awareness of the complexities of police service.

     The annual student art contest raises awareness of substance use and abuse, promotes drug-free behavior and activities, and solicits community involvement – specifically from high school students. The public awareness campaign emphasizes the referral and information resource 2-1-1 and the Department's "Tips for Cash" hotline, which enables citizens to work with law enforcement to solve crime in their neighborhoods. Scholarships worth $2,500 are on the line as Salt Lake City Police Chief Chris Burbank and other dignitaries review and judge entries in the 4th Annual "know more ... kNOw DRUGS" Student Art Contest.

     Though most of us will never don a badge or put ourselves in the line of fire - individual citizens, businesses, and civic groups can promote public safety through their financial support of the Salt Lake City Police Foundation. The public-private bond forged through your contribution promotes responsibility, fosters civic pride, and sends a powerful message of unity to the officers who serve and protect us.