Since taking office, this PBA administration, through the General Counsel’s office, has identified PBA card sellers and has been successful in putting a stop to the practice. Unfortunately, sellers often turn out to be in some way or another associated with police officers. In virtually every case, the offending party has voluntarily withdrawn the cards from sale. If sellers don’t do it voluntarily, the PBA is ready to take the appropriate legal steps to make sure they comply.

PBA cards should only be given to family members, or close friends or supporters for whom you can personally vouch. So when you get your supply of 2006 PBA cards treat them with respect and give them only to people who have earned the privilege. And if you learn of anyone who is selling the cards — on eBay or anywhere — let the lawyers in the PBA General Counsel’s office know about it by calling them at 212-298-9144, so they can do something about it.

Help preserve the sanctity of the PBA card.

he 2006 PBA cards have been in circulation for a while now but it’s not too late to continue thinking seriously about whom we’re giving them to and whether the recipients are worthy of the privilege of carrying them.

Will they use it properly? What is the police officer to whom the card is shown going to encounter on a stop? Is the card’s bearer going to be respectful and courteous? How would we feel if we stopped this person and were presented with a fellow officer’s card? These are only some of the considerations to keep in mind before we entrust someone with a PBA card.

A quick check of eBay demonstrates that not all PBA cards are being distributed appropriately. They are actually being offered for sale on that popular electronic auction site, and some sellers are asking — and getting — top dollar for the cards, which should not be for sale at any price. A recent check of eBay revealed that out of 44 “PBA cards” being auctioned off, only one was an actual PBA card — the 43 others were from the other ranks. Nevertheless, the PBA legal staff has been working with eBay staff to identify those who are attempting to profit from these improper sales and will take action to stop them.

But the real responsibility for managing our cards falls to us. If we want to stop potential abuse, then we have to be careful about giving the cards out.