NCJ Number
64076
Journal
Police Magazine Volume: 3 Issue: 1 Dated: (JANUARY 1980) Pages: 5-15
Date Published
1980
Length
11 pages
Annotation
ABUSES IN CURRENT METHODS OF POLICE FUNDRAISING ARE EXAMINED IN THIS ARTICLE WHICH ALSO STUDIES PROPOSED LEGISLATION AND OTHER REFORM.
Abstract
TRADITIONAL METHODS OF FUNDRAISING BY POLICE ORGANIZATIONS HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE PUBLIC BECAUSE THE MONEY IS USED FOR CHARITY. HOWEVER, IN RECENT YEARS, MONEY COLLECTED OFTEN HAS GONE INTO TRADE UNIONS OR POLICE RECREATIONAL FUNDS, AND IT HAS BEEN RAISED BY PROFESSIONAL FUNDRAISERS. PROSECUTORS, LEGISLATORS, AND LOCAL OFFICIALS ARE SCRUTINIZING FUNDRAISING PRACTICES. CURRENT PRACTICES ARE DESCRIBED, INCLUDING THE USE OF TELEPHONE CALLS TO SMALL BUSINESS MEN BY FUNDRAISING PROFESSIONALS ASKING FOR SUPPORT AND PROMISING THE GOODWILL OF THE POLICE, INCLUSION OF THE BUSINESS NAME IN A CHARITY PROGRAM, OR OTHER MINIMAL BENEFITS. SOME AUTHORITIES HAVE CHARGED THAT NO MATTER WHAT THE METHODS, THE BUSINESS IS FRAUDULENT BECAUSE THE PUBLIC IS NOT TOLD THE TRUTH THAT MOST OF THE MONEY COLLECTED WILL GO TO THE PROFESSIONAL FUNDRAISER. AMONG THE PROPOSALS FOR REFORM ARE A BAN ON FUNDRAISING BY PROFESSIONALS, A BAN ON TELEPHONE SOLICITATION, REGISTRATION WITH THE STATE, AND THE REQUIREMENT TO REPORT EARNINGS AND EXPENDITURES. REFORMS TRIED IN FLORIDA AND NEW YORK STATE ARE DESCRIBED. ILLUSTRATIONS ACCOMPANY THE TEXT. (RFC)