Southern Arizona Law Enforcement Foundation

The mission of the Southern Arizona Law Enforcement Foundation (SALEF) is to raise money to acquire or supplement the purchase of critical life-saving equipment, technology and training for our Police Officers. Also, to create community programs which benefit our citizens and support positive relations between our citizens and law enforcement.

The Southern Arizona Law Enforcement Foundation (SALEF) was established in 2003 under the name Tucson Police Foundation. We officially changed our name is 2017 and now partner with and provide support for 7 local law enforcement agencies: Tucson Police Department: Marana Police Department, Pima County Sheriff's Department, the University of Arizona Police Department, Oro Valley Police Department, Tucson Airport Police Department and the Pima Community College Police Department. The Foundation has been able to fully fund or provide supplemental funding to cover the cost of safety equipment, technology items and ongoing officer safety training which now includes mental health/wellness efforts. SALEF raises money by participating in many competitive grant processes, presenting community fundraising events and programs and by building relationships with local corporate and business partners.
Most recently, SALEF provided funding for the following: bomb detection K-9's for both the University of Arizona Police Department and Tucson Police Department. Both K-9 Skip and K-9 Apollo are contributing to saving lives in the communities they serve and helping to protect their handler. The Tucson Police Department's Explosive Ordinance Division (EOD) received a new x-ray system and image panels. The University of Arizona Police Department received ballistic shields and a ballistic blanket. Marana Police Department received breaching and extracation tools that allow entry to save victims lives as well as tools to extracate vehicle crash victims. The Pima County Sheriff's Department received rifle and handgun bullet proof shields for their SWAT team. Tucson Airport Police Department has received 13 new ballistic vests for their new police officer recruits. Past items that SALEF has funded and answered the call to help protect our police include: TPD K-9 'Luna' and her ballistic K9 vest and gear, 10 street bicycles and 4 Electric bikes for the downtown Tucson Police Department bike patrol unit. SALEF funded the armoring of a tactical suburban for the Tucson Police Department as well as pre-try/clearing robot with camera equipment called a 'Throwbot'. Also, an extension pole camera w/audio and video capabilities, multiple Heat Sensors/Alarm Notification Systems for the K-9 patrol vehicles, and so much more.

Testimonials

'It has been my honor to serve as Executive Director of the Southern Arizona Law Enforcement Foundation (SALEF) for 10 years. SALEF has grown from supporting 1 to 7 local police agencies. Giving support and showing appreciation to our law enforcement by providing critical life-saving equipment is incredibly rewarding. Our police don't look for thanks but they cannot be thanked enough for their genuine dedication to our safety. It takes a special kind of human being to be willing to lay down their lives to save ours.' Bonnie Faircloth, Executive Director of SALEF