Media Advisory-The Tennessee Highway Patrol Does Not Solicit Funds

Nashville, Tennessee - The Tennessee Highway Patrol wants to remind Tennesseans that it does not ask for charitable donations and is warning residents about reports of recent phone solicitations. This month, several residents in East Tennessee have reported receiving phone calls from a person allegedly representing himself as a State Trooper. In at least one report, the caller claimed to be raising money to buy bullet resistant vests for members of the Highway Patrol.

“We want residents to know that we are a state agency and do not solicit charitable donations,” stated THP Colonel Mike Walker. “Every State Trooper has been issued a bullet resistant vest purchased through funds provided by the State Legislature.”

There is a legitimate fundraiser currently being conducted by the Tennessee State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police. The organization recently hired a company to help it solicit funds for a program that would buy new bullet resistant vests to replace worn or outdated ones. Those vests, however, will be distributed to city and county law enforcement officials, and not members of the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

The Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs is investigating the situation and says before consumers make any charitable contribution they should:

Check to see that the charity is registered with the Tennessee Charitable Solicitations Division.
Check with the local Better Business Bureau and with Consumer Affairs.
Be wary of appeals that are long on emotion but short on what the charity will do to address the needs of recipients.
Ask how much of your gift or contribution would be used for the purpose mentioned in the appeal.
Never give out your credit card or bank account number to someone who calls you.

The Tennessee Department of Safety (www.tennessee.gov/safety) is responsible for ensuring the safety and general welfare of the traveling public. The department’s general areas of responsibility encompass law enforcement, safety education and motorist services, including the issuance of driver licenses. The department and its highly trained staff of Troopers are responsible for safety on more than 15,000 miles of state and federal highways.