Community Outreach

Supporting Police-Community Relations

Only one in four Washington, DC area residents knows a police officer by name. And while the majority of local residents said they trust the police, youth, minorities and low-income residents were least likely to report confidence in law enforcement. We believe there has never been a more challenging time for cops to serve their communities, and it has never been more important to support programs that bring communities together for good.

Our community outreach efforts focus on creating opportunities to unite cops and citizens. With decades of experience in law enforcement and community affairs, we serve as connectors, breaking down barriers and cultivating new partnerships to advance local challenges.

Our Approach

1. We educate cops and citizens on how to work better together. We host trainings proven to help law enforcement and residents better understand each other so they can work with – not against – each other. We also create opportunities for law enforcement officers and community members to work in partnership to address local challenges such as crime prevention, gang violence and unemployment.

2. We equip police with the resources they need to serve communities well. Far too often, shrinking police budgets prevent law enforcement from taking advantage of the tools, technology and resources they need to provide best-in-class service to their communities. Our police department grants provide supplemental funding for critical trainings, equipment and continuing education so police have both the knowledge and resources they need to navigate the challenges they face on the job.

3. We empower police to directly connect with local residents. We provide funding for innovative programs that connect police and the communities they serve. Examples include the Metropolitan (DC) Police Department’s Youth Creating Change and Citizens Academy Engagement Programs. We have also reached thousands of students and their families in low-income areas through our Cops in Schools Program, which creates opportunities for police to engage students through one-on-one mentorship, recreational activities and public safety awareness campaigns.