Provides Critical Protection for Police Officers on the Front Lines During the Coronavirus Pandemic
The NYPD and New York City Police Foundation today announced the purchase of 150,000 masks, 150,000 gloves and 150,000 packets of hand sanitizer for police officers on the front lines of protecting the public during the coronavirus pandemic.
These resources – which cost $500,000 and were supplied by Winbrook – were purchased by the Police Foundation thanks to generous donors. The supplies are expected to ship in the coming days. As part of the Police Foundation’s efforts to secure supplies, Sony will also be immediately donating masks, on top of the 150,000 that were purchased.
In addition to the supplies that were just purchased, the Police Foundation is actively raising more funds and seeking donations to continue to meet its mission of supporting the NYPD. For others who would like to contribute to the Foundation please go to https://www.nycpolicefoundation.org/donate/.
NYPD Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said: “This equipment will help keep our officers physically safe. But beyond that, it sends them a clear message - that their unwavering commitment to protecting people is deeply appreciated. Amid all the challenges of this crisis, I’m struck by all the ways it has brought out the best in New Yorkers. On behalf of the entire NYPD family and the city we serve, thank you for the generous gift to the men and women in uniform.”
“When things are at their toughest, New Yorkers always step up to the challenge,” said Andrew Tisch, Chairman of the Board, New York City Police Foundation. “It’s amazing to see the tremendous outpouring across New York City and beyond to help protect our officers on the front lines.”
“Despite these unprecedented times, the men and women of the Department will continue to answer the call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” said Susan Birnbaum, President and CEO of the New York City Police Foundation. “The NYPD’s commitment to the city and its residents is unwavering and it’s essential we support them.”
The Police Foundation is the only organization dedicated to raising funds for NYPD public safety programs. It provides the Department with strategic resources beyond their normal budget to help innovate and strengthen police services. The donation announced today will help meet the immediate needs of the NYPD and is in addition to the Foundation’s ongoing support of numerous public safety initiatives.
These supplies will go to the NYPD's Quartermaster Section which has remained open 24/7 since March 13 and has streamlined distribution of critical COVID-19 related supplies and equipment. Quartermaster monitors inventory and requests in real time, communicating with Bureau points of contact on specific supply needs and making mass distributions of key items based on current stock and anticipated need. To date Quartermaster has distributed over 260,000 pairs of gloves, 550,000 masks, more than 150,000 individual disinfecting wipes and nearly 68,000 liquid hand sanitizer bottles. The Department is committed to ensuring all employees have all that they need to stay safe.
About the New York City Police Foundation
The New York City Police Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization established in 1971 by business and civic leaders to promote excellence in the NYPD and improve public safety in New York City. All donations support the efforts of the NYPD and the brave women and men who serve. Our unique public-private partnership continues to keep the NYPD at the cutting edge of innovation.
Some of the Foundation's programs include:
- Neighborhood Policing: The Foundation supports efforts to strengthen the relationship between the police and the public through community-based initiatives in all precincts and neighborhoods across the City.
- Crime Stoppers: The Foundation pays the rewards for Crime Stoppers which offers up to $2,500 for anonymous information that leads to the arrest and indictment of a violent felon. To date, calls to Crime Stoppers have helped solve more than 5,600 violent crimes including over 1,400 murders and attempted murders.
- The International Liaison Program: Through the stationing of NYPD officers in 14 international cities and two domestic posts, the International Liaison Program is a counterterrorism initiative that allows Intelligence Officers to gather critical information and work with local law enforcement to provide firsthand, in-depth analysis to New York City.
- NYPD Professional Development: The Foundation provides support for professional development programs and training that helps to prepare officers for the complexities of policing, increasing the effectiveness and efficiency in police services.
- Improved Technology: The Foundation has provided seed money to pilot and support new technologies that help expand the capabilities of the NYPD.
