Consumers warned about groups claiming to benefit police officers

Before donating to an organization that claims to represent law enforcement, Texans should ask questions and check facts. Donations to groups with the words "police," "law enforcement" or "trooper" in their names may not actually benefit real peace officers or their families.

Two common types of organizations can serve law enforcement. They are legitimate charities, such as police benevolent societies. These charitable organizations might honor outstanding officers with an annual gala or raise money to provide scholarships for the children of wounded or fallen officers.

In 2003, the Office of the Attorney General and the Harris County Attorney's Office filed an enforcement action against the Texas Police Officers Alliance, which collected nearly $300,000 that it claimed would benefit peace officers. Before the state intervened, TPOA had given a paltry $500 to benefit the families of three sheriff's deputies.

A second type of law enforcement organization is a non-profit professional association or labor union. Membership usually is comprised of dues-paying peace officers who rely on the association for professional insurance, legal counsel and representation before city, county or state officials. These associations are governed by an elected board of directors that includes licensed peace officers.

Though many of these organizations legitimately represent peace officers and their interests, they are not charities. Donations to these groups are not deductible for federal income tax purposes.

Another prominent law enforcement association, the Texas Municipal Police Association, represents more than 13,000 Texas peace officers. Its 14-member board is elected by its membership, receives no compensation and is composed almost entirely of licensed peace officers.

Other examples of well-known groups that represent peace officers are the Fraternal Order of Police, the Houston Police Officers Union and the Dallas Police Association.

Unfortunately, a few organizations that claim to represent law enforcement may not actually spend donors' contributions on items that directly help Texas peace officers.

Consider, for example, the Texas State Troopers Association, which hires professional telemarketers to call potential donors for contributions. Much of the money raised by TSTA doesn't go to officers or their families. According to a recent IRS filing, more than 75 percent of its solicitations was spent on "professional fund-raising fees."

Consumers contacted for donations should ask whether solicitors are volunteers or paid telemarketers. If a solicitor claims a local police department has authorized the call or will somehow benefit from a contribution, citizens should contact the local police to determine whether the claim is accurate. Prospective donors also should ask the organization to provide a written statement of how much donated revenues goes to telemarketing or lobbying expenses and how much directly benefits peace officers or their families.

And donors should be wary of high-pressure sales tactics or unsolicited "pledge" letters that claim the recipients "generously agreed to donate" a certain amount when, in fact, no such promise was made.

Consumers who receive bogus pledge cards or harassing telephone calls from organizations that claim to benefit law enforcement may file a complaint with the attorney general by calling (800) 252-8011, or visiting www.oag.state.tx.us.