Frequently Asked Questions
We'll gladly answer any question you might have, but there’s a good chance someone else has already asked it. We've compiled some of the more common questions below. If you still can't find the answer you're looking for, please click here to contact us.
What is the Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers-USA?
The Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers-USA (FCPO) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to ministering to the spiritual and emotional needs of the men and women serving in law enforcement. FCPO is where faith and law enforcement unite to impact the nation for Jesus Christ.
How does FCPO differ from other Christian organizations?
The Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers-USA's primary distinction from other Christian organizations is our focus on ministry to the men and women in the law enforcement community across the United States, and their families. Because of the common bond shared by those in law enforcement, FCPO members are often able to share their faith with colleagues considered "hard to reach" by others in the Christian community.
Do FCPO members pay dues?
Not in the traditional sense. FCPO-USA asks new membership applicants to commit to a gift to the national ministry of $5.00 monthly. Many officers are trying to pay the rent and feed their families on a relatively small salary, in addition to paying dues to police unions, benevolence associations, etc. We don't want FCPO membership to be a financial burden to anyone, and almost everyone can afford $5 per month. These gifts are used to defray the expenses of the national office providing ministry support (staff, equipment, and materials) to the many local chapters across the U.S. Although additional donations from members are certainly welcomed, no other fees are required.
How, then, does FCPO receive adequate funding?
FCPO is a faith ministry, meaning we rely primarily on the generous monthly pledges and one-time gifts of our supporters to meet expenses. Your financial partnership is an eternal investment, enabling the Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers-USA to minister to thousands of men and women in the law enforcement community across the nation.
What do FCPO members do?
FCPO members, through local chapters across the U.S., meet regularly to study the Bible, pray for one another and those around them, and plan "outreach" events/activities/services designed to be attractive to unsaved friends. Although specific events vary from chapter to chapter, these include breakfasts or luncheons with guest speakers, couples banquets, sports activities, weekend retreats, community service projects, and many more. At each event, the gospel is clearly presented and an opportunity given to receive Jesus Christ as Savior. FCPO members are trained in giving their testimony and leading others to Christ.
What about spouses of peace officers?
Regular membership, open to all active or retired peace officers, also includes associate membership for spouses or future spouses of officers who are currently single. Additionally, we have and can refer you to resources especially for spouses.
Is FCPO-Canada part of your organization?
FCPO-Canada is a separate entity, although we do occasionally partner together on specific projects. Founded in 1983, FCPO-Canada reaches out to officers across the provinces of Canada with the love of Jesus Christ. You may visit their website at fcpocanada.com
Do you partner with any other organizations?
Yes. FCPO-USA maintains strategic partnerships with other reputable organizations in order to combine forces and resources to reach common goals. The core of these partnerships is a Scriptural foundation, and a love for the law enforcement community. Through cooperative arrangements with like-minded individuals and organizations, God has enriched our fellowship, expanded our “reach,” and meaningfully touched thousands of lives with the love of God in Christ.
Our ministry partners are RightNow Media, FamilyLife Retreats and Seminars, Badge of Hope Ministries, Covered Law Enforcement, Pointman Leadership Institute, Christian Law Enforcement Resources, Sheepdog Safety Training, and occasionally other organizations.
What is the symbolism of the FCPO logo?
The FCPO logo is in the form of a circle, which indicates Christ's never ending love for us. In the center is an open Bible, representing God's Word. Above it is a ray of gold, signifying Heaven. The colors surrounding it (and their meaning) are:
- Red, which stands for Christ's blood shed on the cross;
- White, showing what happens to our sin when covered by His blood;
- Blue, indicating the waters of baptism;
- Green, denoting new life in Christ and growth in Him;
- Yellow, for Heaven and the streets of gold.
Do you sell FCPO merchandise?
This is one of the most common questions we are asked. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we cannot sell merchandise (t-shirts, caps, mugs, etc.) from the national home office. However, one of our members has created a first responders store online which has a collection of FCPO merchandise at very reasonable prices. You can click here to visit his online store. In addition to the items in the collection, custom items can be designed specifically for you and/or your local chapter, if desired.
I don't work in law enforcement. Can I join FCPO?
How do I start an FCPO chapter?
How do I find out if there is already an FCPO chapter near me?
There are always new FCPO chapters starting up across the United States. See all FCPO chapter locations here. All active chapters will have a contact person listed; inactive chapter listings will refer you back to the national home office.
I attend chapter meetings. Doesn't that make me a member?
While a law enforcement officer may participate in a local chapter at any time, he/she cannot be an official FCPO member, receive membership resources and materials, and fully experience being part of this ministry until submitting a membership application. Click here to learn more about membership.
How can my gift to FCPO do the most good?
FCPO-USA welcomes all donations, whether designated for a specific project or not. However, your gift to the general fund (where most needed) gives us the flexibility to address our most urgent needs at the moment. If your gift recurs on a monthly basis, it also helps form a reliable source of funding that FCPO-USA can count on to help us fulfill the mission of this ministry.
Why do you emphasize recurring giving?
Giving a recurring gift is a convenient and efficient way to support the ministry of FCPO-USA as well as keeping your membership current. Monthly donations form a reliable source of funding that FCPO-USA can count on to help us fulfill the mission of this ministry. Your recurring online donation is secure and flexible. If you need to make changes, such as the amount and/or frequency of your gift, or updating your card information, you may do so anytime by contacting the FCPO-USA National Home Office. Your request will be handled promptly.
What is your financial policy?
FCPO-USA believes we have a responsibility to be faithful stewards and to maintain integrity and openness in our financial practices. Because God supplies us with resources for ministry through individual contributions, we recognize our accountability both to Him and to our donors. Therefore, FCPO-USA is committed to sound fiscal policies and transparency.
Gifts for the support of the ministries of The Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers-USA will be received at the FCPO-USA National Home Office at 2158 Northgate Park Lane, Suite 413, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37415. Additional gifts will also be received from time to time by the members of local chapters across the U.S. through their various fundraising efforts. Contributions to FCPO-USA are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.
Designated gifts to the support of FCPO-USA ministries are greatly appreciated and a receipt will be issued for all deductible gifts for tax purposes. Occasionally, however, we receive more contributions for a given project than can be wisely applied to that project. When a particular need is over-funded, our solicitations for that need will be discontinued and otherwise designated funds may, at the discretion and direction of the Board of Directors, be applied to cover similar needs that are still under-funded, or broader needs that fall within the scope of FCPO-USA's ministry.
Can I see FCPO-USA's IRS documents?
Yes. Copies of our IRS Form 990 from recent years are available in downloadable .pdf format below:
Does FCPO give my name to other organizations?
No. Out of respect for individuals' privacy, FCPO-USA does not sell or rent our mailing list to other organizations wishing to use the names and addresses of our supporters. We maintain tight security on our list of friends and supporters.
What about your links to other sites? Are they safe?
Our site contains links to other websites. Please note that when you click on one of these links, you are entering another website for which FCPO-USA has no responsibility. We encourage you to read the policy statements on all such sites, as their policies may be different than those of FCPO-USA.