Be Prepared for MAP Solicitation Calls

The has issued a notification that the Metropolitan Alliance of Police will be conducting their annual phone solicitation drive in Western Springs over the next few weeks.

Last year, complaints from Village residents about calls from the MAP prompted the Department to that MAP calls are not made by Western Springs police officers, and that donations to MAP are never given directly to the Department.

While the union’s telemarketers have a legal right to conduct phone solicitations, it is illegal for them to represent themselves as Western Springs officers—which the press release says the callers “have been known to [do.]”

“No member of the bargaining unit will personally conduct solicitations of any village of Western Springs merchants, residents or citizens on behalf of MAP or the Western Springs Police Department,” said Village Director of Police Pam Church in the press release, a quote identical to one from last year’s release.

“No officer will pick up donations from homes or businesses. These fund-raising contributions are never given directly to the Western Springs Police Department.”

Two MAP chapters, Chapter 360 and Chapter 456, represent village patrol officers and police sergeants in collective bargaining agreements, respectively.

The release also notes that the MAP solicitation calls are unconnected with the WSPD’s “Adopt-a-Cop” fundraising for Illinois Special Olympics.