If so, are there any safety measures you take to make sure you are actually being pulled over by the police and not someone acting as a police officer.
2007-01-26 12:39:30 · 21 answers · asked by tooqerq 6 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Yes, unmarked cars can make enforcement stops. This is rare, and unlikely to the average law abiding citizen. They do this when there is not a close marked unit readily available. This is discouraged by most large departments, but is allowed.
If you are being stopped by one, like many others have already said, call 9-1-1. They will tell you if the stop is legit. If the car is unmarked and the officer in not in uniform, then I would also not be comfortable. That isn't normal, and I would definitely question it.
2007-01-26 13:05:17 · answer #1 · answered by Cali Cop 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Good Question!! The Unmarked police cars actually can pull people over for Traffic Violations and things like that, but they MUST make it know to the driver that they are a Police Officer and that they are trying to pull you over, Example- The Cruisers are equipped with the normal equipment like the Sirens, and lights but the lights are hidden very well usually in the Grill, and the little light they can put up on the Visor. But if an unmarked tries to pull you over it'll be like a normal traffic stop with a marked car. But for some reason if they arent equipped they'll call a marked unit to pull the car over, like if they dont have the light and siren, or they dont have there gun on them cause they are undercover or something like that. Hope That Answers your
Question.
2007-01-26 21:57:44 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
An unmarked car can pull over a car if the officer observes a violation of the law or has probable cause that someone in the car has committed a crime and that officer is vested with the authority in that jurisdiction. It is not common for that officer to pull over someone for minor traffic violations as it negates them being "unmarked". It would be done for a matter of public safety.
2007-01-26 21:15:10 · answer #3 · answered by Meatyfrog 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The correct answer actually varies by state. Some jurisdictions actually use unmarked cars as the primary means of catching traffic violations. Where this is done, the officer is usually in uniform. If you are in doubt you can call 911 and/or proceed to a well lighted public area. Any good officer will understand this.
2007-01-26 21:25:44 · answer #4 · answered by STEVEN F 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
unmarked police vehicles are primarily to catch traffic violations in general. Yes turn on ur lights and pull into a public place, and yes they can pull u over, but they are suppose to ask for a cover car to assist them, also dont call 911 911 is an emergency contact that alerts police, fire and medical teams, if u call them to verify if a cop is real ur tying up a line used for emergencies, you can also ask the officer on contact for his badge number and contact number for the dispatch u should also have the local PD's number anyway in an emergency b/c not all locations have 911, here in Colorado Springs they are just starting to set up 911 dispatch offices. Also some cell phone companies dont carry 911 services. Also police vehicles that are unmarked will have lights installed in the front and back of the vehicle and not just on the dash this is a good indicator if its a punk or a real cop
2007-01-26 21:14:14 · answer #5 · answered by armyboysmith 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes they do. That is why they are unmarked - so speeding vehicles won't spot them.
As for safety, you can ask them for an identification and badge number. If the spot they are pulling you over in is very remote and away from the population, then you can tell them that you don't feel safe, and that you wish to drive to a more populated, well-lit area for the interaction. If they refuse, then ask that they call their supervisor and have them come out to assist. A fake will not be able to contact a supervisor.
2007-01-26 20:46:14 · answer #6 · answered by volleyballchick (cowards block) 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes they can. In Illinois state police use Mustangs, Camaros and even Corvettes with dark tinted windows and regular passenger vehicle tags. If you are unsure lock your doors just crack your window and ask the trooper or officer to call for a marked vehicle, if none is available the shift commander may show up, no big deal. Just do not drive off, you may find out he was a real cop when you speed away and have 10 to 15 marked cars chasing you down.
2007-01-28 01:28:25 · answer #7 · answered by jimmy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unmarked cars can pull you over but if you're unsure that it's geneuinely the police then indicate to the driver that you are aware of their presence and drive to the nearest police station or public space such as a gas station. The police will not hold it against you the fact that you didn't stop immediately.
2007-01-26 20:46:08 · answer #8 · answered by Trevor 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Like everyone else said, yes, they often pull people over. However, regarding folks advice about continuing on to a nice place to pull over and it NOT being held against you...be very carefull, if you speed up or pass what the officer believes to have been a perfectly safe spot to pull over, he will charge you with eluding / felony evasion. Don't be surprised when you are dragged from your vehicle at gunpoint and pounced on by several persons. The whole "they can't hold it against you" line is BS! Don't get cute in this situation as the whole "crazy guy acting like a cop by pulling people over" schtick is WAAY played out.
2007-01-26 23:25:43 · answer #9 · answered by dlondo99 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There have been cases where they have, yes. Your question is valid and important. If you are signalled to pull over by an unmarked car, acknowledge them (turn on your hazards,etc), and then find a place that is well populated with witnesses. I'd also recommend calling the law enforcement in that area to ensure it is a valid stop, and not some creep.
2007-01-26 20:45:02 · answer #10 · answered by HG 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋