We see our jobs as so much more than just working for the City. We recognize that we are an important part of this community. Our POA members are eager to be involved. They generously give of their own time and salaries to further POA efforts. All organization operating costs and budget come from a monthly salary deductions of Menlo Park's police patrol officers. Our expenses include legal fees and group insurance coverage not provided by the City.

We add our funds with community contributions to support many worthy local community causes, support those in need and youth of the community who hope to serve you in the future. We invite the community to join us and contribute to these efforts.

100% of all funds raised by community contributions are returned directly to members of the Menlo Park community.

Here is a sample of the projects we support:

•    Giving back
  Our members volunteer for several community groups and organizations. Members donate their off-duty time, and the MPPOA provides financial assistance for materials and projects at several local programs for children and senior citizens.



•    Providing Emergency Assistance
  We respond to many emergencies - fires, auto breakdowns, broken pipes - that can leave people financially helpless. We maintain an emergency discretionary fund that is available to every MPPD officer 24/7 - ready to help any person or family in the event of a minor emergency in need of funds.



•    Offering Scholarships for Youth Who Serve
  We sponsor two local scholarships for students at Menlo-Atherton High School who express a desire to serve the community and who seek a career in public service. We expanded the program to a third scholarship in 2004.



•    Supporting Community Activities
  MPPOA assists at local events and co-sponsors some activities. For over 30 years MPPOA has supported many local groups: Menlo Park Little League, M-A High School Sports, United Way, Dispatcher Week, Public Safety Bulletin, Leukemia Society of America, California Peace Officers Memorial, Special Olympics Tip-a-Cop and Torch Run, Cub Scouts/Boy Scouts of America, Police Explorer Post, just to name a few. In the near future, assistance will be offered to the Menlo Park Police Child Safety Seat program, through education about car-seat safety and the purchase of child car seats for local low-income families.



•    Honoring Fallen Public Safety Officers
  MPPOA sends financial contributions to the families and agency associations of California Police Officers and Fire Fighters lost or disabled in the line of duty. Your support of MPPOA helps make this possible.



•    Sponsoring a Political Action Committee
  MPPOA's separately funded P.A.C. is active in meeting with current and prospective candidates for local public office. We actively support and endorse candidates who have demonstrated a pro-public-safety position and who will assist us in protecting the safety of Menlo Park's diverse residents and businesses.



•    Providing Community Presentations
  MPPOA members are available to assist and speak to community groups on such topics as Personal Safety, Identity Theft, Child Safety, and more. Would you like an officer to speak to your group? Call us at 650 330-6692 or email to mppoa@earthlink.net



•    Building Professionalism and Organization
  The MPPOA helps Menlo Park officers stay safe and current on important topics and issues. We attend statewide meetings that educate officer associations on pending issues. We also provide some training and equipmment to our members above and beyond that which is provided by the City.