October 11, 2005
Contact: Sue Baker
For Immediate Release
738-2000
Warwick FOP not involved in fundraising campaign
WARWICK – In response to a complaint/inquiry to his office, Mayor Scott Avedisian today said that neither the Warwick Fraternal Order of Police nor the Warwick Police Athletic League are currently fundraising through a telephone solicitation campaign.
The Warwick FOP completed their solicitation last month, and the PAL is slated to begin its campaign at the end of the month. Both groups use Focus Management to facilitate the fundraising effort – a fact that should be shared with those who are being called.
Warwick police are only aware of one police-related campaign currently underway. That one, by the Rhode Island FOP, uses CDG Company, a group on Allens Avenue in Providence.
These solicitations are not sponsored or endorsed by the City of Warwick. They are union-sponsored entities that employ private companies to make the telephone calls.
All callers should maintain a professional and courteous demeanor and should not use threatening or inappropriate language. Residents who would like written information mailed to them before making a donation are encouraged to request it, Avedisian said.
The Warwick Police Department will investigate any complaints from citizens who may feel that the telemarketing tactics employed are excessive or they may contact the State Fraternal Order of Police directly, Avedisian said.