In early 2023, at the invitation of Colonel Gregory, the St. Louis County Police Association and the Missouri Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), National Law Enforcement Foundation assembled a coalition of law enforcement, elected officials and private and corporate philanthropy to address the St. Louis County’s Police recruiting and retaining challenge with a proactive step to slow and stop the decline in their police department. 

St. Louis County Police are currently over 100 officers short and on a downward spiral. Recent surveys conducted within the police department show that over half of current employees are interested in participating in a childcare program and would consider staying with their agency if they had access to quality early childhood education.

The Missouri FOP is effective and passionate about directly providing relief for their officers. 

National Law Enforcement Foundation prepared a plan and provided data for the FOP to start an education campaign on the need for customized childcare and the data needed to discuss funding options from the state. 

By March 2023, the Committee and Appropriations recommended a $6 million budget appropriation to the Missouri House to fund a pilot program that can be measured for effectiveness. NLEF educated the coalition on the issues related to law enforcement and childcare challenges across the country and what other states were doing to provide relief to their officers. 

February 2024, A pivotal moment for St. Louis County Police! NLEF announces partnership with the Michael and Noémi Neidorff Family Foundation to provide the critical $1.5 million in matching funds to break ground on St. Louis County Center, encouraging an additional $1,500,000 in private philanthropic support. Link to article

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