Friday, August 08, 2008

B.C. - RCMP does not solicit funds through mail or phone!

August 8, 2008 RCMP NEWS RELEASE

The RCMP Detachment in Vernon, BC has received an inquiry from a local resident about an unsolicited brochure arriving by mail from the Canadian Police Association. The brochure is for making a donation for their Cops for Kids Safety Program. The resident inquired whether this program is the same as the Cops 4 Kids initiative that the RCMP runs throughout the province.

The Canadian Police Association is a national collective representing various police labour relations and collective bargaining associations. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police is not officially associated with, and is not a sanctioned affiliate of the Canadian Professional Police Association, although individual members of the RCMP may join if they choose. This organization does not collect funds on behalf or in support of the RCMP's community programs. The RCMP would like to make it clear that the Cops for Kids Safety Program Brochure that is being distributed in the Okanagan in particular is not RCMP sponsored, nor is it an RCMP program or initiative. The RCMP does not engage in, endorse or conduct telephone solicitation to raise funds for community policing programs.

Like any request for donations, the public is encouraged to research the organization or charity thoroughly prior to making any donations. If you receive telephone calls or mail asking for donations to support community policing programs - you are at risk of being a victim of fraud. You may call Operation Phonebusters at 1-888-495-8501 to report.

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