ARIZONA POLICE ASSOCIATION

1102 West Adams Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
Telephone – (602) 249-4358
Facsimile – (602) 246-0226
Web – www.azpolice.org

PRESS RELEASE

March 22, 2006

Beware of Telephone Scam

Twice this month, the Arizona Police Association (APA) has been contacted by concerned citizen about telephone solicitors claiming to represent the APA. The Arizona Police Association neither participates in telephone solicitations, nor does it allow the use of its name in any telephone fund raising efforts. The APA is a statewide coalition of police organizations that focuses the political efforts of its nineteen member groups that represent nearly 7,000 federal, state, county and local peace officers.

Executive Director Dale Norris, states, “The APA knows that Arizona’s citizens support law enforcement officers and are willing to give their hard earned money to help us, but our by-laws prohibit telephone solicitation.” Mr. Norris, a retired Phoenix police officer, states that the APA’s activities are completely funded by dues, and asks that any person receiving a call from a telephone solicitor claiming to represent the APA report it to their local law enforcement agency.

Mr. Norris said, “We must maintain the trust and support of the community to be effective law enforcement professionals, and when these scam artists use our good name, it hurts us all.” He went on to state that fund raisers usually take a large percentage of the money donated through telephone solicitations, so “[i]f you were inclined to give, send a check directly to your favorite charity, and they’ll put it to good use.”

Telephone solicitations for charitable organizations are not subject to the same laws and rules as those selling merchandise. Maybe its time for a change.

Contact: Dale Norris, Executive Director
office: (602) 249-4358
cell: (602) 319-5872
e-mail: director@azpolice.org