Contact: Colleen Roche/Jennifer Chait (212) 788-2958
Specifically, Introductory Number 120-A would redefine "law enforcement affiliated organization" to include charitable and benevolent police organizations whose members do not include present or former police officers. The bill would also require that registration statements filed by these organizations be made available to the public.
Under current law, charitable organizations whose members include current and former police officers must file a registration statement with the Police Commissioner prior to soliciting contributions from the public. In contrast, groups whose members do not include present or former police officers and who are allegedly in existence to solicit contributions for police officers or their families, fall outside the current registration and reporting requirements. While certain organizations, such as the New York City Police Foundation, provide invaluable and dedicated assistance to the Police Department and the families of slain police officers, current law leaves the public largely unprotected against groups whose only real motive is profiteering.
By giving the Police Commissioner the authority to regulate charitable organizations whose members do not include present or former police officers, this legislation will ensure that the public is protected against those who would prey on the sympathies of New Yorkers for slain officers and their families. More importantly, this legislation will also protect police officers and their families, by ensuring that the funds donated on their behalf actually reach them.
For the reasons previously stated, I will now sign the bill.