ABOUT US
                                                                                 Our Vision:
The Ottawa Police Foundation (OPF) exists to promote public safety by supporting and providing additional resources for
community outreach programs, for advanced professional development of Ottawa’s law enforcement members, acquisition of
advanced technology to improve crime fighting, and by creating community partnerships that encourage citizen participation to
enhance the safety of Ottawa.

                                                                         The Role of the Foundation:
The role of the Foundation is to provide support, funding through donations in partnership with the community, to pursue
advanced technology, training, and enhance existing programs for the Ottawa Police Department.  

The Foundation uses donations from fellow citizens to enhance the Ottawa Police Department’s efforts in the
following vital areas:

Community Partnerships - Programs like the summer D.A.R.E. Camp that enhances relationships between the community and
the Ottawa Police Department.  In 2020, a new Coffee with a Cop program will provide mugs for officers to use in Ottawa coffee
shops for conversation and community outreach.

Acquisition of advanced technology - To improve employee efficiency, increase officer safety, and to provide enhanced
services.  In 2019 the department purchased a new Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) to support DARE Camp and community events.

Establish a Police Cadet Program - That identifies graduating seniors from local high schools who aspire to work as police
officers for the Ottawa Police Department.  Successful candidates would work part-time as civilian police cadets.  Simultaneously,
they would attend Neosho County Community College to earn an Associates Degree as full-time students on scholarships
provided by the Foundation.

Employee Development - Advanced training for all officers, and executive level training to improve professional development.  
Moreover, these efforts are designed to serve as a recruiting and retention tool.

Accreditation - The department was awarded their 2nd Law Enforcement Accreditation by CALEA in November, 2019.  CALEA
provides a process to systematically conduct an internal review and assessment of the department’s policies and procedures, and
make adjustments wherever necessary to meet a body of internationally accepted standards and law enforcement best practices.
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