Target Donates $300,000 to Baltimore Police Department

Baltimore, MD (September 16, 2008) – Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon and Police Commissioner Frederick H. Bealefeld III today accepted a $300,000 grant from Target as part of the Safe City Project, a partnership between the Police Department and Target designed to improve public safety.

“Target has proven over and over a strong desire to partner with the City,” said Mayor Dixon. “This generous donation will make a big difference as we continue to improve safety in our communities.”

Through the Safe City Project, the Baltimore Police Department will be able to purchase tools aimed at improving officer safety and increasing officer visibility in communities experiencing crime. The new Target store is located in the Mondawmin Community in the Western District and its specific needs were taken into account as part of this community-based crime fighting strategy.

“Everyone has a role to play in public safety, and I am very pleased that Target has stepped up in such a significant way,” said Commissioner Bealefeld. “The Department is going to make the most of this partnership, and I hope it sets an example for others to follow.”

The Target grant will be used to purchase portable command posts to be deployed in high crime areas increasing officer visibility; put computers in police cars to improve officer safety and facilitate arrests; and enhance its cellular telephone tracking system designed to solve violent crimes, particularly robberies.

Baltimore’s Safe City Project will include the nine Collaborative Supervision and Focused Enforcement – Violent Reduction Initiative (CSAFE-VRI) sites and zones, community and business groups located in the Mondawmin Community and will add community partners as our collaborative efforts expand. The BPD will work with Target to develop a community advisory board to implement the Safe City Project.

“Target is very excited to be a part of the Baltimore Community, and we look forward to building a strong partnership with the Baltimore Police Department and the people of the city,” said Target Representative Frank Albany.

In addition to the $300,000 contributed by Target, the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention provided a matching grant of $140,000 to help fund this project.