I get solicited about every 6 months to contribute to the local FOP. In exchange, they offer "Booster" cards to carry in my wallet (next to my D.L. I suppose) and depending on the level of my donation, one or two "VIP Stickers" which I can proudly display on my vehicle(s).

You know what my question is to the LEO's.

Has the presence of these stickers/ID cards ever influenced your behavior or decisions when approaching or during a stop?

It does not.

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- Change it back -

Don't donate to these types of organizations as they're usually not associated with any police agency directly. PBA cards, Detective Association stickers and the like don't have any influence on the officer that stops you.

You're giving money to their union. And no, those stickers do not stop tickets from being issued.

No, it has no influence with me. When you're contacted by these solicitors, ask what percentage goes to the organization they are representing.

Just the opposite, I used to be extra wary of vehicles with FOP/DARE/Thin Blue Line stickers plastered all over.
And yeah, I'm an FOP member (Lodge #9 Mesa AZ).

I had a very pushy and persistent solicitor from the local "Sheriff's Department" who was extolling all of the advantages that members received, and how only a fool wouldn't contribute. I asked how a contribution would improve their response time on a 9-1-1 call, and surprisingly, they haven't called me anymore.

Regards,

Dave

FOP / PBA solicitation lost its way and its value several years ago. I always ask these phone clowns who the current president is. Naturally they have no idea.

Any 'professional' LEO should initially treat all contacts the same. The stickers / medallions and so on have some, albeit minimal value. Your demeanor and actions have much more input as to how your ultimately handled (verbal vs written ticket, for example).

If you feel inclined, I'd suggest you only affix ONE. Multiple stickers make you look phony. Skip the wallet card altogether.

Back in the '90s, FOP called me looking for money. I asked the Kelly Bundy clone who called what their stance on the Brady Bill and the Assault Weapons Ban was. She kept repeating robotically, "We support the officers!"

I kept insisting and she admitted that she didn't know. She said she'd ask a supervisor. I heard footsteps walking away, followed by a long pause, then footsteps coming back.

A guy came on the line and asked how he could help me. I again asked what their positions on the Brady Bill and Assault Weapon Ban were. He asked me, "Are you in the NRA?" I replied, "That's neither here nor there. You called ME asking for money, and I'm entitled to an answer." "He then said, "We support them." I told him, "Thank you. I will NEVER give you money, and will encourage everyone I know to do likewise." I then hung up.

And that was BEFORE the Chicago Lodge of the FOP went on National Public Radio to demand that wife beaters be allowed to own and carry firearms... but only if they were cops.

You can debate whether a cop should support the FOP. There's NO debate about whether I should. They do NOTHING to help ME, and in fact have materially worked to HARM the public by supporting repressive gun controls and enabling domestic abusers.

Not one dime from me, EVER, not even if it exempted me from all laws, local, state and federal.

First the short answer to your question. NO.

I was a cop 27 years and was an active member of our P.P.A. for 25 years. We never solicited funds, sold advertising in the newsletter, or held any form of fundraiser.

We did partner with a local civic origination during the holidays in a canned food drive, which expanded into a food, toy, and clothing collection for those in need of some help at the holidays.

My personal opinion it’s wrong and deeming for a public service and supported group to ask the public for funds; doing so just lends itself to a potential conflict of interest.