The San Bernardino Police Foundation (SBPF) was formed July 13, 2006.  It remained inactive until the transition from Operation Phoenix Foundation (OPF) to SBPF in September 2013.

According to Operation Phoenix/Police Foundation September 24, 2013, meeting minutes, the Police Foundation “never got off the ground,” and its tax ID number was expired.  At that meeting, Chief Handy proposed combining Operation Phoenix with the Police Foundation and suggested revising bylaws and establishing a new Foundation in December 2013.  The Operation Phoenix Board accepted the suggestion and voted themselves out so new Board members could be appointed.  Kent Paxton, Operation Phoenix Secretary, transferred ownership of Operation Phoenix financial records to the SBPF.

The Police Department applied for a nonprofit designation under the entity name San Bernardino Police Foundation (SBPF) and was approved.  Chief Handy submitted his ideas for a Mission Statement, areas of support, and organizational concepts.  He envisioned the SBPF to be a community-driven Board assisting in different areas, not only with crime intervention and prevention, but supporting the people who work every day at the Police Department by providing a better working environment and helping them achieve a greater level of success, along with a fundraising component to offer crime solving rewards.