HOUSTON — On Giving Tuesday, one organization hopes community support can continue helping the Houston Police Department carry out its duties.
The Houston Police Foundation helps raise funds for equipment, training and community engagement for HPD in areas where tax dollars fall short.
"With the latest technologies that come out, our officers need the latest and best equipment in order to keep them safe on the street so they can go home every night," Charlene Floyd, the executive director of the foundation told KHOU 11 News.
More than 90 percent of HPD's budget from the city goes to salaries for officers and staff, leaving less than 10 percent for other needs.
That's where the foundation steps in.
"It's amazing the things that they're needed that are not covered in the city budget are the latest technology that's available that the city can't fund," Floyd said. "So we step in, raise those funds and help buy that equipment for them."
Some items purchased with the help of the foundation include K9 units, robots, drones, horses and more. Floyd said Giving Tuesday is an opportunity for the community to help the department with some of those needs.
"It's heartwarming to see what a generous community we have," Floyd said.
The foundation also helps with programming for community engagement, allowing the department to further foster connection with the people it serves.
"It not only helps our officers perform their duties, but it also strengthens the relationship between our community and their law enforcement," Floyd said.