My question is this. What exactly is an undercover or off-duty police officer supposed to do to show they are a cop when arresting or detaining someone. I know if some dude on the street told me to "freeze police" and pulled a gun I would run like mad. I flat out don't trust people, and would never stick around to find out of he was really a cop. So what exactly are you told to do?
2006-12-01 09:14:59 · 12 answers · asked by travis R 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Excellent question. In our area of the state of FL, we have a uniformed officer assist in the arrest if it is at all possible. This is a serious problem faced by all law enforcement officers. We have been in situations where a robbery or assault is occurring and we may have to act fast. If we carry a gun, we are required to carry our badge and, of course, our police ID. Still, it is extremely dangerous to take enforcement action. Each year, off-duty officers are killed by other officers who have responded to the scene and have not recognized the off-duty officer. This normally occurs in large departments. Think about the location and the activity. My neighbors have contacted me in the past regarding disturbances and suspicious activity. In addition to me having my gun and badge, I also have my radio. As I call in to the dispatcher, I advise what I am wearing and that I am in plain clothes. Luckily, I have been recognized on all three occasions, but then again, I wasn't waiving my gun around either. We also have a requirement that officers must call in if they are working a special duty assignment. These officers are placed on our computer CAD system where each uniformed officer has access in his or her patrol vehicle.
2006-12-01 09:31:02 · answer #1 · answered by Christopher H 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The answer is simple...an undercover cop would never tell you he was a cop or attempt to arrest you...that would blow his cover. In the case of say, a drug sting, the undercover cop would attempt to buy/sell the drugs and uniformed officers would be only a little ways away to make an arrest if the sale is made. Sometimes they even "arrest" the undercover cop to make it appear as if he's not a cop [if say, they want to use him later in more stings].
2006-12-01 09:26:48 · answer #2 · answered by Tom 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've been approached by an undercover cop. I was getting on to the train using a student metro card. These cards were valuable so people stole em but they are only supposed to be used by students going to and from school. The cop tapped me on the shoulder and flashed his badge then asked for my school ID, I showed it to him and he waved me off. It was pretty quick maybe 30 seconds at most.
2006-12-01 09:49:56 · answer #3 · answered by abcdefghijk 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They have badges and IDs
But undercover may not carry any id or do arrests since they keep thier cover.
And normally off duty officers don't make arrests either unless it is serous crime.
But there are various types of badge carry and ID carry methods.
2006-12-01 15:13:07 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I worked a lot of undercover and would not identify myself until arrest time. I would simply pull my badge out of my shirt, on a chain of course, and assist the uniformed officers if needed.
2006-12-01 11:13:12 · answer #5 · answered by spag 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They must show a badge, and an official department issued photo identification card with an employee number on it.
A badge is not enough.
2006-12-01 09:29:22 · answer #6 · answered by billy d 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I did it for years and never ID'd myself until I was ready to make an arrest and was close enough to the suspect to control whatever he or she did. If I was working undercover and was arresting you, you'd have been on the ground being cuffed before you could get your legs to move.
2006-12-01 09:26:35 · answer #7 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Flash a badge and point a gun at the drug dealers head. If he runs like you suggested that you might, shoot him in the face.
2006-12-01 09:22:53 · answer #8 · answered by Tyrone 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Show their badge and usally a marked car comes flying in so you know its real cop.
2006-12-01 09:23:22 · answer #9 · answered by iowa_trooper911 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They would have to show their badges, and ID.
2006-12-01 12:34:07 · answer #10 · answered by WC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋