Do I need permission to use the name of a police force?

[Naomi Bell]

I have short story set in a provincial park in Ontario. The investigating police force would be the OPP - can I refer to OPP, or do I need their permission to use their name?

The OPP (Ontario Provincial Police) would in the same role as a US state police.

Thanks a bunch

[John McFetridge]

I do it all the time. I also call the RCMP by name and the Toronto police. Three books so far and no one has complained and there are many corrupt officers from all three forces in all the books.

Which park is the story set in?

[Naomi Bell]

Phew - thanks, John. All my OPP officers are good guys, so hopefully no one official will complain (or even notice).

The park is fictional, in SW Ontario. It'll be an arm of the Niagara Escarpment.

[Jon Loomis]

No--at least in the U.S., the only thing you'd need permission for would be the names/descriptions of real-life individuals, although this varies a great deal from publisher to publisher (some apparently ask for permissions for use of certain place names, etc--businesses and the like--but this seems ridiculous to me).

[Naomi Bell]

Thanks, Jon. I know using the names of real life corporations can be dodgy, but a police force belongs to the people.

[Naomi Bell]

Thanks, Dan, that makes sense.

If the story is set in a provincial park in Ontario everyone will know the police force is the OPP, whether I name them or not. So they must be used to it.

[doug anderson]

I think it's fine. I'm doing it with NYPD, MI6, ATF and FBI. I mean, imagine them trying to prove there wasn't any corruption?

[Naomi Bell]

Thanks, Doug. Every perspective helps.

[Stacy]

I hope not because my detective series takes place in Albany, New York so that's what I say, "Albany Police Department".

Best Wishes!

http://www.stacy-deanne.net