TRENTON — The Mercer County Sheriff’s Office has recently been made aware of a phone solicitation campaign being conducted by a private company, on behalf of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Superior Officers Association of FOP Lodge #140. As reported to us by county residents and businesses, the callers are stating they are from or with the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, and are then requesting donations for various projects. In one particular call to a local business the caller reportedly stated the call is regarding “…the safety of the office,”
Sheriff Jack Kemler would like to make clear that his office is in no way associated with this fundraising campaign and stated, “The Mercer County Sheriff’s Office DOES NOT solicit money from the public in any manner or for any reason.”
After learning of this endeavor, Sheriff Kemler reached out to the FOP #140 president and discussed his concerns about the activities of the fundraising company.
The president, who is a sergeant with the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, assured Sheriff Kemler that that the fundraising campaign was near completion, but that he would take corrective action with the fundraising company immediately.
”Shortly after this conversation took place, more calls came into the office complaining of the actions of the fundraising company, and continue to be received by our office. As we all know, professional solicitors can be assertive, persistent and in some cases intimidating,” said a spokesman.
Based on the numerous complaints our office has received over the last few weeks, we believe this company is employing those very tactics and as such, Sheriff Kemler stated.
”Although the Sheriff’s Office is not involved in this solicitation campaign, I do want to apologize for any inconvenience, annoyance and alarm this may have caused.”
He added, “We aren’t encouraging or discouraging anyone from contributing, but we do want to make it clear that this fundraiser is not connected with the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office in any way.”
While soliciting for donations on behalf of police unions is permitted, utilizing strong-armed tactics, deception and intimidation are improper and possibly illegal.
Sheriff Kemler stated: “Currently my Internal Affairs unit is fielding complaints from residents and businesses and has been in contact with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs, which has jurisdiction over these matters,”
If anyone receives a solicitation call and are uncertain as to the validity of the fundraiser, they can contact the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs – Charitable Registration Hotline at (973) 504-6215.Additionally, complaints regarding fundraiser activities can be filed online with NJ Division of Consumer Affairs at http://www.nj.gov/oag/ca/complaint/ocp.pdf
