SHERIFF'S GROUP SAYS IT DOESN'T SOLICIT BY PHONE

Calls requesting donations for the Missouri Sheriff's Association are causing the organization some headaches.

The association never solicits donations by phone, said James Vermeersch, the association's executive director.

"Some of these calls may be in good faith, since there are some law enforcement organizations that do telemarketing, but we never have and never will," Vermeersch said.

The Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department contacted Vermeersch Thursday to make him aware of a few complaints made by county residents about solicitations by the association.

The association uses direct mailing to contact potential members, who are asked to contribute $20. The donation gives members who are not law enforcement officers a sticker and a newsletter and provides operating funds for the group, Vermeersch said.