Union County Sheriff’s Office: Fundraising Letters from Georgia Sheriffs’ Association Are Legitimate

The Union County Sheriff’s Office is alerting residents that they may soon receive letters in the mail from the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association asking for support through a $25 membership.

In a Facebook post, the sheriff’s office said the mailing is legitimate and supports programs that benefit all 159 sheriff’s offices across the state.

According to the agency, money collected through memberships goes directly to the association to help fund training, education and other initiatives for law enforcement personnel.

The Georgia Sheriffs’ Association provides training and educational resources for deputies and jailers, often at little or no cost to local agencies. Training programs include topics such as jail operations, sex offender monitoring and registration, community policing and courthouse security.

The organization also sponsors the Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes, which provide emergency care and support for hundreds of neglected and abused children throughout Georgia.

Officials said residents may see the fundraising letters arrive by mail and shared an example of the mailing in their post.

However, the sheriff’s office cautioned residents to be wary of potential scams. Officials said the association does not solicit donations by phone.

Anyone who receives a call asking for money on behalf of the group is advised not to provide payment over the phone.

Residents who wish to support the organization can also join directly through the association’s website at georgiasheriffs.org.