Before donating to an organization that claims to represent law enforcement, Texans should ask questions and check the 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. As with most things, the devil is in the details.
Two common types of organizations can serve law enforcement. The first 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. However, when an unknown caller solicits donations for a peace officers� charity, Texans need to ask questions before they open their wallets.
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 (TPOA), 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. Texans who want to donate funds to law enforcement charities should know how the organization will spend their money � and whether it will actually benefit any peace officers.