COPS

0

Some of L.A.’s top corporate executives are launching a non-profit foundation to raise private funds for the LAPD.

The new Los Angeles Police Department Foundation will be announced this week by L.A. Police Chief Bernard Parks, who is marking his one-year anniversary as chief. The foundation is designed to raise $2 million to 3 million annually from corporate donors and others for such things as computers and specialized police equipment.

“There are limited resources and this will help address those needs,” said Commander David Kalish of the Community Affairs Group. “It will improve public safety we are very excited about this.”

Kalish said the 14-member board is scheduled to hold its first meeting Wednesday. Members include Eli Broad, chairman and CEO of SunAmerica Inc.; Mike Bowlin, chairman and CEO of Atlantic Richfield Co. ; Dennis Holt, chairman of Western International Media; Frank Biondi, chairman of Universal Studios Inc.; and Ira Yellin, senior vice president of Catellus Development.

Kalish said the group has filed papers with the state to raise money as a charitable foundation. Because the foundation is an independent, non-profit group, it does not require approval of Mayor Richard Riordan or the City Council.

Even so, “the City Council and the mayor have been very supportive of the idea,” said Kalish. “It will be very successful.”

A few years ago, Riordan set up the Mayor’s Alliance for a Safer Los Angeles, which raised upwards of $15 million for new computers.

But Kalish said the Mayor’s Alliance was a one-time shot and the department is still in need of new equipment. For example, efforts to fight white-collar computer crimes has been somewhat stymied by the lack of up-to-date equipment.

“The foundation will help in areas where there isn’t money, but there are critical needs,” he said.

The idea to start a foundation for the L.A.P.D. came from two similar programs in New Orleans and New York. Both programs have raised needed dollars where the departments were lacking resources.

Kalish said the board has not determined where it will get the money, or what specifically the funds will be used for. But he said the board will begin to set goals and priorities at its first meeting.

“I would imagine we are looking for major contributions from residents and members of the business community,” Kalish said. “The founding members of the board have demonstrated an incredible commitment to the city and will add credibility to the foundation.”

A 1997 study found that LAPD station buildings were in need of major repairs, but Kalish said the foundation is expected to target computers and other equipment needed by police, and not building improvements.

No posts to display