The OCPO once again reminds county residents about potentially misleading fundraising solicitations by organizations and individuals claiming to be associated with Law Enforcement.

Citizens and businesses across the county are being solicited for substantial cash contributions and donations for various “police-related” organizations, equipment, scholarship and educational funds and/or community-based programs. In most instances, solicitors are misrepresenting themselves as members of, or associated with, local Law Enforcement – this is simply not true. The OCPO and local Law Enforcement does not engage in any fundraising activity over the phone.

This past week there have been several reports to the OCPO of calls from a 609 area code in which the solicitor states he is calling for the police foundation to help obtain equipment for local police departments. The caller states further that no one would come to the house, they would send a return envelope in the mail in order to collect a check or money order.

Additionally, Prosecutor Coronato reminds the public that donations to groups, which give decals and promise special treatment to donors is misleading. “Ocean County Law Enforcement does not administer the motor vehicle laws of the state on the basis of contributions to charities offering decals and stickers,” he said.

The OCPO is urging citizens contacted by phone solicitors to ask hard questions about the organization, its goals and use of funds before sending money. If the questions are not answered satisfactorily – don’t donate.

The Division of Consumer Affairs encourages anyone with inquiries, concerns or complaints about police-related fundraising activities or organizations to contact the State Division of Consumer Affairs charity information hotline at (973) 504-6215. The hotline is operational between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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