Consumer affairs is of great concern to the Police Benevolent Association of the New York State Troopers, Inc. (“PBA”).  An organization whose members are accustomed to dealing with auto theft, narcotics interdiction, and violent crime also has a great interest in consumer protection.  It has been brought to our attention that various groups are calling on businesses throughout the State of New York which falsely claim to be or to represent the P.B.A. of the New York State Troopers, Inc., the New York State Troopers Benefit Fund, Inc., The PBA Trooper Magazine, or even the New York State Police.  It is extremely disturbing to learn that because of such misrepresentation, many businesses and organizations have lent their financial support to these organizations.

          The PBA is vitally interested in this field because the PBA’s official magazine, The PBA Trooper, uses direct telemarketing as a primary tool to sell advertising space.  We are concerned because telemarketing can be abused by unethical and unscrupulous people and firms offering products, services, and even prizes and giveaways that very often do not meet the expectations of the consumer – or the promises given by the telemarketer.

          Because we wish to alert the consumer to the potential for fraud and deception over the telephone lines, to distance ourselves from unscrupulous telemarketers, and also to reinforce the reliable business practices established by the representatives who sell advertising for The PBA Trooper, we offer the following information.

 

WHAT IS THE PBA?

          The PBA is an independent labor union which is not affiliated with any other union.  It is over 6500 members strong and made up entirely of uniformed and retired personnel of the New York State Police.  The PBA is funded and run by State Troopers, duly registered as a New York State Not-For-Profit Corporation.  Active membership in the PBA is available to all full time sworn State Police personnel.  The PBA is governed by a 15 member Board of Directors, elected from geographic regions throughout the state.  The directors elect from their ranks a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer.  The PBA delegates are working New York State Troopers.  Our goals, objectives, and continued success have been possible only through the generosity and trust extended by you, our advertisers, during the past six years.

 

HOW IS THE PBA CONNECTED WITH THE NY STATE POLICE?

          The PBA is an independent labor organization representing New York State Troopers.  Its views, opinions, policies, and publications in no way reflect the viewpoint of the Division of State Police.

 

WHY DOES THE PBA USE TELEMARKETING?

          The PBA uses telemarketing for a variety of reasons, but primarily because it is the most cost effective way of reaching merchants, businesses and organizations in a geographically diverse state.  Trooper Publications of New York, Inc. has an established track record and conducts its operations in a friendly, professional manner.

 

WHAT IS THE PBA TROOPER?

          The PBA Trooper is the official publication of the PBA.  The magazine is published two times a year, and is of general law enforcement interest.  Though slanted toward the work activities and pursuits of PBA members, The PBA Trooper covers various topics of interest to law enforcement throughout the region and the United States.  The PBA Trooper is edited by the PBA.

          NYST Benefit Fund, Inc. (“Benefit Fund”) is an independent not-for-profit corporation organized by retired PBA members.  Its purpose is to promote and encourage professionalism among members of the New York State Police, and to offer financial and other support to organizations like the PBA that represent New York State Troopers.

          One project the NYST Benefit Fund has undertaken for the PBA and its members is publication of The PBA Trooper, which is the PBA’s official magazine.  The PBA is under contract with Trooper Publications of New York, Inc., a telemarketing / publishing company with an office in Albany which sells advertising space for The PBA Trooper.  The advertising revenues generated are shared between the Benefit Fund and Trooper Publications – as well as funding the publication and distribution of the magazine.  The Benefit Fund’s share is used to serve the PBA’s membership in a variety of ways.

          The PBA Trooper is also a way to communicate professionally what New York’s Troopers – in concert with other agencies – are doing to battle crime in the state.  Every effort is made to ensure the quality of writing, photographs, and production of the magazine.  Advertising space purchased in The PBA Trooper may be deductible as an advertising expense; consult your tax preparer.