Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024
Section 158-7-8 - Solicitation of Gifts for Charities by Law Enforcement Officers8.1. The Ethics Commission finds that the interest of the public is served by having stricter limitations which govern solicitations by law enforcement officers due to the unique nature of the authority which law enforcement officers exercise over the public, including arrest powers.8.2. "Law-enforcement officer" means any duly authorized member of a law-enforcement agency who is authorized to maintain public peace and order, prevent and detect crime, make arrests and enforce the laws of the state or any county or municipality thereof.8.3. Except as otherwise provided for in these rules, law enforcement officers may not solicit for charity while in uniform, but may show identification upon request.8.4. Public officials or employees may solicit donations for charity while out of uniform and when they are off duty.8.5. Law enforcement officers or associations composed of law enforcement officers may not provide signs, stickers, decals or other items of display by individual donors showing whether or not a donation has been made on account of any charitable contribution solicited on behalf of law enforcement officers or their association, unless such signs, stickers, decals or other items of display contain the following disclaimer: "The holder of this item is not entitled to any special treatment."; Provided, That, certificates, plaques or other items of display which are not intended for display on motor vehicles may be distributed to donors without the inclusion of any such disclaimer; Provided, However, That an association may provide to its members who are currently serving as law enforcement officers, or who previously served as law enforcement officers, a sign, sticker, decal or other item of display, including those items intended for display in a motor vehicle, which demonstrate that a present or former law enforcement officer is a member of an association or fraternal group primarily composed of law enforcement officers, without the inclusion of any such disclaimer.8.6. Law enforcement officers or associations composed of law enforcement officers may conduct telephonic or oral solicitations in their official capacity; Provided, That, when conducting a telephonic solicitation, law enforcement officers may not identify themselves by rank or title or otherwise reference their rank or title during the conversation unless specifically requested by the person with whom they are having a conversation.8.7. Law enforcement officers may not pick up a donation while in uniform except as otherwise provided for in these rules.8.8. Law enforcement officers may wear their uniforms while participating in fund-raising activities based on an exchange of value. Further, they may wear their uniforms while participating in a fund-raising event such as a motorcycle ride, walk or other activities where the public, for a fee or donation, is invited to join a law enforcement officer as part of a fund-raising activity for charity.8.9. Law enforcement officers may deliver proceeds raised for charity to the intended recipient while in uniform and while on duty.