
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, March 15, 1992                   TAG: 9203150134
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: E4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: RICHMOND                                LENGTH: Short

FUND DRIVE IN NAME OF POLICE QUESTIONED

Some Virginia police officials say a Miami-based organization is exploiting the name of law enforcement to raise funds that provide little benefit locally.

The non-profit, tax-exempt American Federation of Police, which claims more than 100,000 members, has used telephone marketing firms to collect funds in more than 25 states.

"I really think they are doing nothing for Virginia," said Robert Walker, executive director of the Virginia State Lodge of Fraternal Order of Police.

Paul Scott Abbott, a federation spokesman, said the organization has sent drug-awareness videotapes and other educational materials to some area schools.

Local police, the Better Business Bureau of Central Virginia and the Virginia Division of Consumer Affairs have received many inquiries or complaints about the federation.

- Associated Press

by CNB