Westport PD: Not Affiliated With 'Fraternal' Fundraising Group

WESTPORT, CT — Having received "numerous inquiries" from Westport residents about the solicitations, the town's police department is setting the record straight about fundraising efforts on its behalf.

The Westport Police Department "has absolutely no direct affiliation" with the Connecticut Fraternal Order of Police, which recently has called and sent mailings to residents seeking donations.

"As the mailer sent by the Fraternal or Police is somewhat ambiguous in stating 'protecting your home in Westport' and for the purpose of clarification, we ask that you please note the following information relative to this matter," wrote Westport police officials in a statement. "Although the Connecticut Fraternal Order of Police is a legitimate charitable organization which does work to support various law enforcement related causes around the state, this organization has absolutely no direct affiliation with the Westport Police Department or its various internal groups. With that being said, those wishing to donate to this organization should do so with the complete information that any contributions made are not received by and do not directly benefit the Westport Police Department in any way."

The Westport Police Department "does periodically conduct fundraising drives" for the following groups:

• Westport Police Union
• Westport Police Benevolent Association
• Westport Police Scholarship Foundation
• Westport Police Athletic League
• Westport Police Department K9 Unit

"These fundraising efforts will always be clearly marked or otherwise stated as originating from these various entities that are in fact directly affiliated with this agency," officials said. "Please also note that all of these groups are privately funded in all or part through donations from the public, and any contributions made do go directly to support them."