BOSTON -- You get the call and you think you're helping your local police department buy new cruisers, bulletproof vests or much-needed supplies.

NewsCenter 5's Susan Wornick reported that you want to know the police will come when you call, so you may be inclined to donate when they call. You'll want to think twice about how you contribute after seeing Team 5 Investigates' report.

"I want to be sure that the public understands this. This is not the North Andover Police Department making these phone calls," North Andover Police Department Chief Richard Stanley said.

We've all received the calls for cash, but it's illegal for police officers to make them, so who is it on the other end of that line? Team 5 Investigates discovered they are professional telemarketers who work on commission. Some allege that they use high-pressure tactics.

In North Andover, the Police Relief Association recently hired All Pro Productions for a fundraising campaign.

"People think the police are on the other end of the phone," Wornick said.

"Sometimes, it can be misunderstood. I have had people call me with the same kind of complaint," said Sgt. Tim Crane, of the North Andover Police Relief Association.

There have been other troubling complaints to the chief's office. Residents cited rude and insulting calls, verbal abuse and repeated calls. One resident wrote "many of the seniors do not want to report this because of a fear of not supporting the North Andover police."

"The part that really breaks my heart is when I hear the story from an elderly person who I may bump into that I've known for years saying, 'Chief, we helped you out. I want you to know that I sent you a check for $25,'" Stanley said.

Team 5 investigates reviewed the state's most recent fundraising report and found startling numbers. More than $14 million was raised in 2005 in the name of police, firefighters and paramedics, but less than $4 million actually went to the groups. The rest -- more than $10 million -- went to the telemarketers.

The largest company, All Pro Productions, raised $5 million in 2005 and on average gave 37 percent to charity. The contract in North Andover was for 40 percent.

"Forty-percent. That's all? Forty cents on every dollar is all you get?" Wornick said.

"Forty cents on every dollar," Crane said.

"But you don't make any apologies for the way you're raising this money," Wornick said.

"I can't make apologies. It's a way of making money," Crane said.

All Pro Productions is located in Newton, Mass., and operated by Former Patriots star Fred Smerlas

Smerlas wasn't available for an on-camera interview but in a telephone conversation, he acknowledged confusion over who's calling, but he defended his telemarketers saying they identify themselves are monitored and read from scripts, although All Pro refused to provide one.

Smerlas called All Pro's 60 percent return reasonable considering fund-raising expenses. As for the complaints received by Stanley, Smerlas denied responsibility, saying there are dozens of competing campaigns going on every day.

You'd think there would be more accountability when it comes to telemarketing for police organizations, but depending on the campaign, they don't even have to register with the state. When NewsCenter 5 asked Attorney General Martha Coakley if there needs to be new laws, Coakley said it's up to consumers to know to whom they are giving a check.