How To Spot Someone Impersonating a Police Officer
Police officers are given a lot of power and play an important role in keeping the public safe.A lot of people try and impersonate police officers.Police imposters are often trying to commit violent crimes.There are many circumstances in daily life where you will have the chance to interact with the police.If you know what to look for, you can spot police imposters.
Step 1: Understand why people act like police officers.
Police officers have a lot of power to enforce the laws of a particular state.With that power comes the ability to wear a uniform, carry a firearm, and arrest people.Criminals are always looking for a way to commit crimes without being caught.Murder, rape, and other violent crimes are committed by police impersonaters.
Step 2: Know how to impersonate a police officer.
It isn't hard to impersonate a police officer.The internet will allow anything to be sold.A lot of authentic looking police gear can be found on auction sites, which allow the sale if there is a profit.A study found that a simple online search produced police badges for sale from every state, city, and county in the United States.Impersonators buy uniforms, badges, utility belts, and vehicle accessories.Police officers can be impersonated by people.
Step 3: Who is at risk of being a victim?
Police impersonaters look for people who seem exposed and easy to fool.The elderly as well as younger people are most at risk of being impersonated by police.Criminals often commit crimes of opportunity, meaning they may impersonate a police officer in order to commit another crime against anyone that presents an easy target in the moment.
Step 4: It is illegal to impersonate a police officer.
It is a crime to impersonate a police officer.A person can't identify themselves as an officer, wear a uniform with the intent to impersonate one, and create a vehicle that looks like a police vehicle under most laws.Dressing up in a police costume for Halloween is not a crime.
Step 5: Listen for the person's knock.
When a police officer comes to your door, they are usually required to knock and announce their presence.Police officers are supposed to state their purpose for being there and announce that they are officers of the law in addition to knocking.Impersonators may or may not be aware of the rules, so they don't announce themselves as an officer.Do not open the door if someone in a police uniform knocks on your door.
Step 6: Don't open the door.
Do not open the door if someone in uniform knocks.To start a dialogue without opening the door, ask the person outside to describe the purpose of their visit.If it's a real officer, they should be able to explain their visit and have a conversation through the door until you can verify their identity.Once you open the door, the barrier between you and the person you are looking at will be gone.The person can get inside where they want to commit a crime once this happens.
Step 7: The person is wearing a uniform.
Look at the uniform the person is wearing while talking to them.The clothes should be clean.It's a good idea to look for stains and uniforms that don't fit properly.It is a requirement for police officers in many areas to have a hat.Badge, name tag, and service tags are included in the uniform.The badges will be made from metal and will not be flimsy.Service tags show the years of service an officer has had.A utility belt should have all the tools of the trade.The tools include a flashlight, firearm, handcuffs, taser, bullet magazines, and pepper spray.The belt is usually made of leather.The person you see should have a radio.The citation pad is where the officer's citations are kept.
Step 8: Ask the person to show their identification.
You should ask to see the officer's identification when you examine what the person is wearing.A trained officer should respond quickly and professionally.An identification card, a photo ID, and a Badge are required for an officer.It is much harder to fake a photo ID and police identification card than it is to impersonate a police officer.The person may be pretending to be an officer.
Step 9: Call the police if you have doubts.
Call the police if you have doubts after speaking with the officer.Dispatchers will know if an officer is at your house or not.If there is any doubt as to what is happening, the dispatch will dispatch a real officer.If you call the police to verify their identity, you should never be upset.The verification process is easy and pain free for the officer so they should be happy to let you make the phone call.If someone asks you not to call the police, they may be pretending to be an officer.
Step 10: Know where you are at all times.
Understand where you are while you're driving.What city you are in, what road you drive on, and what direction you're going are all included.Information about your location can be used throughout the rest of your interaction if you get pulled over by a vehicle that looks like a police vehicle.Knowing where you are will help you explain the situation to the police.Knowing where you are will allow you to identify the markings on the vehicle in order to match your location.If you're pulled over in Los Angeles, you want to make sure you don't get stopped by a New York police car.
Step 11: Listen for the vehicle's sirens.
Many departments, but not all, require an audible siren when an officer pulls you over.Listen for the sirens and decide if it's legit.Try to learn the sounds of the police forces so you can spot the wrong ones.Police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances all use sirens.Impersonators may install the wrong sirens.
Step 12: The person has a vehicle.
The easiest way to spot a police impersonater is to examine their vehicle.It is possible that it is not a real police car.There are reflective decals on the hood and sides of the car.The decals should clearly identify the vehicle as a police vehicle and include car numbers, a shield, and police department information.The police car has warning lights on it.Police cars have a number of lights that flash colors to warn people of their presence.There are red and blue police lights.There are green and yellow lights behind the grill.Take a look at the officer's license plate.License plates that identify the vehicle as a police vehicle are used by real police units.
Step 13: Turn on the hazard lights.
If you see a vehicle attempting to pull you over, you should turn on your hazard lights.You are not trying to run from them if you are acknowledging their presence.
Step 14: Pull over in a populated area.
If your hazard lights are still on, drive until you reach a populated area.Pulling over where people are nearby will help deter a police officer from committing a crime against you.You will be able to see the person better if you are in a well lit area.The police will not want to catch you if you do this.
Step 15: If you want to communicate, roll down your window and keep your doors locked.
Don't get out of the car or open the door when you pull over.You should stay in the vehicle with your doors locked.To speak to the person outside your vehicle, roll your window down.If the person puling you over is an actual person, you don't want to let them gain access to you or your vehicle, which is why you should not open your door or roll your window all the way.
Step 16: The person is wearing a uniform.
Look at the uniform the person is wearing while talking to them.The clothes should be clean.It's a good idea to look for stains and uniforms that don't fit properly.It is a requirement for police officers to have a hat.Badge, name tag, and service tags will always be included in the uniform.The badges will be made out of metal and will not be flimsy.Service tags show the years of service an officer has had.A utility belt has all the tools of the trade.The tools include a flashlight, gun, handcuffs, taser, bullet magazines, and pepper spray.Woven leather is used to make the utility belt.The person you see should have a radio.The citation pad is where the officer's citations are kept.
Step 17: Ask for the person's identification.
You should ask to see the officer's identification once you have examined what the person is wearing.A trained officer should respond to this request quickly and professionally.An identification card, a photo ID, and a Badge are required for an officer.It is much harder to fake a photo ID and police identification card than it is to impersonate a police officer.The person may be pretending to be an officer.
Step 18: You can call the police.
Call the police if you have doubts after speaking with the officer.Dispatchers will know if an officer has been dispatched to your area and if they pulled someone over.If there is any doubt as to what is happening, the dispatch will dispatch a real officer.If you call the police to verify their identity, you should never be upset.The verification process is easy and pain free for the officer, so they should be happy to let you make the phone call.If someone asks you not to call the police, they may be pretending to be an officer.
Step 19: Police use the internet.
Police officers are using the internet to do their jobs.Police use social media to let citizens know about crimes in progress, to inform citizens of events, and to post pictures of suspects and wanted criminals.
Step 20: There are vague references to the person's employer.
If someone claims to be a police officer, you should be worried.Police use social media to reach the entire population, not just one person.When someone reaches out to you, look at their profile.A police officer can state who they work for and where.A person pretending to be another person will often try to hide their true identity.It's a red flag if an impersonater hides their employment credentials.
Step 21: There are photographs on the person's social media page that are out of place.
The official logo of the police force and the official head shot of a police officer can be found on an internet page.Profile pictures depicting eagles, flags, or other symbols instead of the person's photo should raise alarms.If there are no real pictures in the photo albums, it could be the profile of an impersonater.
Step 22: Ask about credentials.
When talking to someone who claims to be a police officer, be sure to ask for their credentials.A real officer will give you all the information you need to know about the precinct they work for.To verify what you have been told, call the police station and ask.If the person you are talking to is unable to provide you with their credentials, you should contact the police.