Identify a Police Impersonator
Criminals across the country have tried to impersonate police officers. Some police impersonators pull over unsuspecting people while driving. Women are especially vulnerable. Most people trust a police officer and let their guard down. The crimes impersonators commit range from robbery, to rape and murder. There are steps you can take to help you identify a police impersonator and avoid becoming a victim.
Instructions
1. Consider why you are getting pulled over. If you are driving and are sure you were not speeding or breaking the law, be cautious when the officer approaches you. Most of the time there may be a problem you were unaware of. However keep your guard up and ask why you are being pulled over.
2. Look at the car. It may be hard to get a good view of a car that pulled you over, especially at night. But do your best to determine if it is a law enforcement vehicle. Most vehicles will have several emergency lights, not just the flashing red or blue light. Keep in mind that most unmarked police cars are not doing traffic patrol.
3. Ask for identification. Police impersonators can easily obtain a uniform that looks authentic. Ask for photo identification and a badge. The police officer should be willing to comply.
4. Watch his behavior. When you ask for identification, pay close attention to how he acts. Most officers are aware that criminals impersonate the police. Therefore they should be professional and courteous about showing identification. Look for signs of anxiety such as the officer fidgeting or raising his voice.
5. Call 911. If you are unsure an officer is the real deal, don't hesitate to call 911. The dispatcher can verify where an officer is and help you determine if the officer who stopped you is a fake. Trust your instincts. Its better to be safe than sorry.
