San Diego Police Foundation
The Internet is an amazing place: a bounty of information available any time, any where. It also provides intimate access to technologically savvy but naïve children. Along with the wealth of information are risks: cyberbullying, phishing and predators. Research shows that:
- 54% of teens talk about subjects referencing sex on MySpace social networking site.1
- 1 in 25 youth in one year received an online sexual solicitation where the solicitor tried to make offline contact2
- 39% of middle school students have posted photos of themselves, 36% have posted their real names, and 14% have posted their schedules and personal contact information.3
Although some things about being a teen have not changed much over the decades, a lack of caution, desire to fit in and developing sexuality, are teamed with limitless opportunities in today’s cyber world. The cyber journey offers 24/7 friends, and in many households, little parental guidance.
The San Diego Police Foundation and regional law enforcement San Diego Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force are leading a public education campaign in cooperation with schools and parents countywide. Middle school students participating in our SafetyNet™ program indicate an increased understanding of risks. Parents say they will increase supervision of their children's cyber activities.
The program is made possible by grants from the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, AT&T Foundation, and the Lotus Children’s Fund.
You can help fight Internet crimes against children. Join our campaign!
- I’ll make a contribution sdpolicefoundation.org
/donate_now.php - Report suspected child pornography or child sexual abuse: www.cybertipline.com or call (800) 843-5678.
1 Moreno, M. et al. (Jan 2009). Reducing At-Risk Adolescents’ Display of Risk Behavior on a Social Networking Web Site. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. Vol. 163, No. 1.
2 Wolak, J., Finkelhor, D., Ybarra, M. & Mitchell, K. (Feb-Mar 200). Online “Predators” and Their Victims: Myths, Realities, and Implications for Prevention and Treatment. American Psychologist. Vol. 63, No. 2, (111-128).
3 McQuade, S.C., & Sampat, N. (2008). Survey of Internet and At-Risk Behaviors. Retrieved June 12, 2009 from the Rochester Institute of Technology website.
SDPD Crime Fighting Opportunities
As the department works to recruit, hire and train a new generation of “America’s Finest,” it is critically important to attract and equip them with current technology, empowering new officers to expand law enforcement efficiency.
Following are some high–priority law enforcement and crime prevention projects and equipment needs. They are opportunities for you, your employer and your service organizations to partner with us on tangible, far-reaching, local solutions.
These technologies have revolutionized evidence collection.
Having ruggedized laptops in the vehicles and assigned to officers allows for the efficient and safe processing of law enforcement information.
SDPD works hard to support underserved and refugee teenagers in San Diego through youth-groups, such as the East African Youth and San Diego Asian Youth Organizations.
New technology assists in locating and identifying vehicles that are stolen, or those associated with outstanding citations, crimes, or warrants.
Recognized as a collaborative effort that provides care, resources, and assistance to hundreds of individuals each year, helping them get off the streets.
Foundation grants help to ensure retiree replacements stay on schedule and training opportunities are maximized.
Our activities, in conjunction with the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, help children make safe and responsible cyber choices.
Every dollar contributed helps us improve the human services delivered by men and women (and dogs) who “Protect and Serve.” Beneficiaries are domestic violence victims, the elderly, children and anyone who lives, works or plays in San Diego. Call us (and get a live voice) for more information: (858) 453-5060.
Grants exceed $3.5 million
Thanks to generous donations from individuals, businesses and organizations, the San Diego Police Foundation has facilitated in-kind donations and awarded grants totaling more than $3.5 million. The total reflects donors' growing interest in local, tangible, far–reaching results achieved in partnership with the San Diego Police Foundation.
Broad-based support from more than 1,500 donors helped us reach the mark.
Leadership contributions from organizations like the AT&T Foundation and Tayebi Family Foundation have played important roles in our SafetyNet™ Smart Cyber Choices public education campaign.
Our list of supporters includes donors who helped ensure the 24/7 response of police K-9 teams this past year, including: Donovan’s Steak & Chop House, Las Patronas, the Abrams Family, Craig and Rebecca Irving and the Tayebi Family.
We’re also grateful for a $208,500 grant from Qualcomm Incorporated, which facilitated grants to nine San Diego County fire agencies in support of programs that increase citizen’s disaster preparedness. Grant money will be used to purchase training equipment and facilitate a variety of programs, including the training of Community Emergency Response Teams.
The Foundation is proud to implement cost-effective innovations that increase public safety efficiency.
You make all the difference.