Warnings From Law Enforcement
Montana Attorney General Tim Fox posted on Facebook last year about a call he received from Roy on behalf of the National Coalition for Police and Troopers. The call was spoofed to appear to be from Montana phone number, he wrote, noting that the caller did not identify the group as a political action committee, or super PAC, and telling his followers that it was not a nonprofit so donations are not tax deductible.
Money donated to this group might be used for political purposes and will not be used for direct help to police or troopers, Fox wrote. Please do your homework and avoid scams and misleading appeals for your hard-earned money.
FEC regulations state that political committees can only deposit a contribution into their account if that money came from a solicitation which expressly states that the contribution will be used in connection with a Federal election or the solicitation discloses that contributions are subject to federal election law. While several recordings uploaded online show that some callers have briefly mentioned the term PAC or have said that the group is supporting efforts to elect lawmakers to advocate for certain issues, the Montana attorney general wasnt the only person to say the group hadnt identified itself as required.
Facebook post not found.
Post has been removed or is no longer public.
Also in Massachusetts, a Wilmington police officer received a call soliciting donations.
The Reasons To Support
The reason we are able to support members of the law enforcement communityand their families is because of you and your generous financial support.
Donations can also help to support:
- Immediate financial assistance to the survivors of member officers who are killed in the line of duty.
- Training and Educational programs for todays changing law enforcement environment.
- Financial contributions to organizations for physically challenged individuals.
- Congressional advocacy.
First Responders Childrens Foundation: Providing Financial Support To First Responders Families
The First Responders Childrens Foundation was founded in 2002 by Alfred R. Kahn, an American businessman. He began the organization by hosting a Thanksgiving Day Parade Breakfast in November 2001, shortly after the September 11th attacks. The gathering was designed to bring together the families of first responders, such as law enforcement, who had lost loved ones during the tragic 9/11 events. The gathering would eventually become an annual tradition.
Their impact and transparency ratings: First Responders Childrens Foundation holds a Finance and Accountability score of 100 out of 100 from Charity Navigator. The organization also has a Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.
To provide financial support to children who have lost a parent in the line of duty.
First Responders Childrens Foundation
What they do: The First Responders Childrens Foundation provides financial support and education funding to the surviving children of first responders who have lost their lives during the line of duty. The organization also provides bereavement assistance to the first responders families, and raises awareness of their sacrifices through programs, fundraisers, and community events.
Recommended Reading: How Do You Know If Police Are Looking For You
Oys Gets Answers: Are Fundraisers Calling On Behalf Of Police And Firefighters Legitimate
Every day, police and firefighters risk their lives to make your community safer. To show your support, you may consider making a donation when a fund-raiser calls from a fire or police service organization. It is a good idea, however, to be cautious about solicitations for money over the phone, especially during these troubling times when money can be extremely tight. Scammers have tailored their pitches accordingly, even going so far as to pretend theyre from a legitimate group in order to get you to part ways with your money.
Heres how the scam works: an unsolicited call shows up on the Caller ID from someone claiming to be representing a nonprofit organization. In some cases, the charity has a name that includes a law enforcement word . There are plenty of variations on this scam, but one that is making the rounds in the Wichita area currently identifies itself as being from the Fraternal Order of Police . The caller explains that the goal of this nonprofit is to help the families of fallen officers.
If you begin asking specific questions about the organization or how the money will be used, the caller may not answer and may be told to call a different number where your questions are also deflected or evaded. Callers often use intimidation tactics or try to make you feel guilty about not supporting their cause. Dont fall for it! Its all a way to get your credit card information and a donation.
National Association Of Police Athletic/activities League: Law Enforcement Partnering To Empower Youth
The National Association of Police Athletic/Activities League was founded in 1940 and is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. The organization began as a service program providing mentorship and outreach activities to youth as a way to combat juvenile crime. Years later, as the success of the program and its activities grew, six chapters on the east coast decided to convene and discuss how athletics could be incorporated into the organizations programs.
Their impact and transparency ratings: The National Association of Police Athletic/Activities League has an Accountability and Transparency score of 92 out of 100 from Charity Navigator. The organization also has a Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.
To promote the prevention of juvenile crime and violence by building relationships among kids, cops and community through positive engagement.
National Association of Police Athletics/Activities League
What they do: The National Association of Police Athletic/Activities League aims to minimize juvenile crime through outreach programs that pair officers with youth. The charitys programs focus primarily on education, mentorship, and athletic activities that empower youth. Today, the organization has over 300 chapters across the country working to create positive change in local communities.
You May Like: How To Request A Police Background Check
Gary Sinise Foundation: Empowering The Countrys Defenders Through Tailored Programs
The Gary Sinise Foundation was founded in 2011 by American actor, Gary Sinise. Sinise is best known for his role in the movie, Forrest Gump, as Lieutenant Dan Taylor. After playing the role of Lt. Taylor, Sinise developed a profound connection and understanding to the countrys servicemen and first responders. He wanted to give back to them and their families through specialized programs and public advocacy.
Their impact and transparency ratings: The Gary Sinise Foundation has an impressive 4-star rating and an Accountability and Transparency score of 100 out of 100, both from Charity Navigator. The organization also holds a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar, showcasing its commitment to the wellbeing of the countrys defenders. For example, in 2019, the organization spent nearly 89% of its income on unique programming for members of law enforcement, the military, veterans, and first responders.
To serve and honor Americas defenders, veterans, first responders, Gold Star families and those in need.
Gary Sinise Foundation
Ways to contribute: You can contribute to the Gary Sinise Foundation by making a donation through the charitys website. You can also start a local fundraiser to promote the organizations causes and raise funds for its programs.
How To Protect Yourself Against Scam Pacs
Some telemarketers who claim to be raising money for causes like homeless veterans and cancer victims work for political action committees , not charities, and keep much of the money they raise. Some tips for consumers:
⢠Listen carefully for the name of the organization. Legitimate charities can be checked on websites such as www.guidestar.org.⢠Ask if the donation is tax-deductible. Gifts to actual charities are donations to PACs, which sometimes sound like charities, are not.⢠Never disclose personal information.⢠Or follow the simplest rule: âNever give to anyone over the phone,â said Margot Saunders, senior counsel for the National Consumer Law Center.
Joseph Tanfani
If the potential donors suspected they had given to the group before, the callers were instructed to say: âI have no way of knowing because we feel that donations are given from the heart, not the hand, so we keep all donation records confidential,â according to the FAQ.
ThePAC, organized by Zachary Bass, spent 90% of its take on fundraising, campaign filings show. It spent $103,700 on behalf of House candidates â about 3% of the total, and it has contributed nothing directly to veterans groups.
Bass, who set up several other super PACs, declined to comment.
Across the industry, calls are computer-generated before being routed to telemarketers, something Politicause and TPFE employees said allowed their firms to maximize the number of calls â and to pester people repeatedly.
Don’t Miss: Can I Sue Police For Harassment
These Are The 9 Best Charities For Law Enforcement
Below are our favorite charities for law enforcement:
- National Police Foundation
- National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund
- First Responders Childrens Foundation
- Police Unity Tour
- National Association of Police Athletic/Activities Leagues
- Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation
- Gary Sinise Foundation
- Project K9 Hero
Phone Number Removal Request
The Police Coalition of America PAC uses the telephone as a form of Federal candidate fundraising. The PACs goal is to advocate on behalf of the LEOs that have done so much for our great country. The telephone allows us to reach a lot of people in a short period of time with little cost. Other traditional forms of spreading our message, like mass-media purchasing, can be costly and ineffective.
How can I contribute to the PACs efforts?
You can contribute to The Police Coalition of America PACs efforts of advocating on behalf of all law enforcement in the United States of America. Your donations allow the PAC to continue supporting legislation addressing the needs and safety of our law enforcement communities.
Can I be removed from your calling list?
Yes, we respect your decision to opt out of The Police Coalition of America PAC. To submit a request form to the right to be removed from our calling lists.
Recommended Reading: How Long To Be A Police Officer
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund: Honoring Law Enforcements Sacrifices
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund was founded in 1984 by a former New York City Police Department officer, and member of Congress. Biaggi was a vocal advocate for law enforcement. He wanted to establish a memorial that would pay tribute to the work and service of law enforcement, while honoring those who had lost their lives in the line of duty.
Their impact and transparency ratings: The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund holds an Accountability and Transparency score of 97 out of 100 from Charity Navigator. It also has a Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.
To tell the story of American law enforcement, honor the fallen, and make it safer for those who serve.
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund
What they do: The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund stands as the nations symbol of remembrance for those who have lost their lives while serving in law enforcement. The organization also advocates for law enforcement through public campaigns, community outreach services, and educational programs.
Ways to contribute: You can contribute to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund by donating through the organizations website. You can also get involved by volunteering or participating in the organizations annual fundraising events.
National Police Foundation: Providing Opportunities For Innovation To Law Enforcement
The National Police Foundation was founded in 1970 and was established through a grant administered by the Ford Foundation. McGeorge Bundy was the Ford Foundations president at the time, and he wanted to create a development fund that police could use to enhance their own local programs, test new operations, and improve the way they carried out their duties. After its formation, the National Police Foundation was initially led by a team of 13 members, which included state politicians, advocates, and businessmen.
Their impact and transparency ratings: The National Police Foundation holds a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar the highest rank possible. For example, in 2020, the organization spent nearly 77% of its income on its programming and services.
To advance policing through innovation and science.
National Police Foundation
What they do: The National Police Foundation strengthens law enforcement agencies by providing funding and support to their technology and innovation programs. Through the National Police Foundations aid, law enforcement agencies have the capacity to test new safety programs, carry out advanced training, and perform research to efficiently tackle localized crime.
Ways to contribute: You can contribute to the National Police Foundation by donating through the organizations website.
You May Like: How Do I Look Up A Police Case Number
G5 Comment: Arewa Groups Ask Cjn Ariwoola To Resign Before 2023 Polls
In a related development, 52 northern groups have demanded for the resignation of Ariwoola, accusing the CJN of aligning himself with some PDP governors
The national coordinator of the groups, Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, said the CJNs perceived gaffe had confirmed the assertion that some judges were no better than politicians in black robes.
According to him, Justice Ariwoola had cast serious doubts around his personal integrity and the expectations for the judiciary to maintain neutrality in whatever circumstances.
American Police And Troopers Coalition
It is our mission support legislation that will ensure law enforcement is best positioned to provide the highest degree of uninterrupted public safety service to Americas communities. APTC PAC resources shall advocate for existing and new legislation that secure our country and local communities utilizing proven and accepted law enforcement policy and leadership.
The APTC PAC will further support the elections of Federal legislators who understand the importance of and encourage support law enforcement to provide for the safety and security of its citizens.
Read Also: How To Order A Police Report
Project K9 Hero: Providing Care To Canine Law Enforcement
Project K9 Hero was founded in 2016 by Jason Johnson, a former US military officer and State Department official. He recognized the lack of resources available to law enforcement dogs after their service, especially since many retired with more health problems than the average pet. With this in mind, Johnson established Project K9 Hero to provide funding and support to retired military and police dogs for their post-service care and needs.
Their impact and transparency ratings: Project K9 Hero has a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. The organization publishes annual reports indicating their financial transparency and commitment to the wellbeing of military and police dogs. For example, in 2020, Project K9 Hero spent nearly 71% of its income on its programming and services.
To protect those who protected our families, communities, and our America.
Project K9 Hero
What they do: Project K9 Hero advocates for the care of military and police dogs after they retire. The organization also collects funds and donations, oversees adoptions into suitable homes, and raises awareness on the issues many retired law enforcement dogs encounter once they stop working.
Ways to contribute: You can contribute to Project K9 Hero by donating directly through the charitys website. You can also show your support for retired law enforcement dogs by purchasing some of the organizations branded gear from their online shop.
The Hustle Part Ii The Tell
The tell is a poker term. It means an opposing player does something to indicate he or she is bluffing. There are all sorts of questions that you could go through to determine if the solicitor on the other end of the phone is from an honest to goodness charity or not. They all require time and patience to learn and implement. The most sure-fire solution is to ask for the name of the organization and a means to contact them so you can make your donation at another time.
When you do this, depending on the experience of the solicitor, you will either hear a lot of fast talking or angry response or you will be provided the information. Legitimate charities with nothing to hide will tell you how you can make your contribution later and hustlers will get annoyed.
Recommended Reading: How To Listen To Police Radio
Recommended Reading: How To Become A Police Diver
Police Unity Tour: Raising Public Awareness For Law Enforcements Work
The Police Unity Tour was founded in 1997 by Patrick Montuore, a police officer from New Jersey. He organized the Police Unity Tour as a fundraising event to honor members of law enforcement who had lost their lives in the line of service. He also wanted to highlight law enforcements hard work across the country. The tour began with 18 members of law enforcement, who rode from New Jersey to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Their impact and transparency ratings: The Police Unity Tour holds a Financial rating of 84 out of 100 from Charity Navigator. For example, in 2019, nearly 90% of the organizations income was spent on its programming.
To raise awareness of Law Enforcement Officers who have died in the line of duty.
Police Unity Tour
What they do: ThePolice Unity Tour raises funds and awareness for members of law enforcement who lost their lives during their service. The funds raised during their 4-day long ride are donated directly to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. The organization also participates in advocacy work to emphasize some of the dangers law enforcement officers face, and the sacrifices they make to protect society.
Ways to contribute: You can contribute to the Police Unity Tour by donating through their website.