Hillsboro police chief 'recommends caution' in responding to solicitation letters

At least one Hillsboro resident has reportedly received a solicitation in the mail from the “National Police Association,” with a notice saying “Hillsboro City Council members need to hear from you.”

The letter mentions the National Police Association filing a petition with city council to ensure council will “maintain all quality of life policing methods” and asks for a donation, which the letter says will be “used where the need is greatest.”

According to news reports, similar letters have been sent for several years in communities across the country. In small print, the letter acknowledges that the organization is "not affiliated with your local police department."

“We are uncertain as to their legitimacy, and as always, we recommend caution in responding to such solicitations,” Hillsboro Police Chief Eric Daniels told The Highland County Press.

The National Police Association, Inc. is registered as a charity with the Ohio Attorney General's Office with the purpose "to engage in any lawful activity for which corporations may be organized under the General Corporation Law of Delaware and to educate supporters of law enforcement in how to help police departments accomplish their goals," according to the AG's office.