If some guy wearing a fake police officer costume with a fake badge says he's a police officer and you're under arrest and that he has to take you away, how can you tell that he's a fake?
How would you do so without getting in trouble in case he actually is a real police officer?
2007-02-17 12:31:08 · 30 answers · asked by Everyone 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
It is the law that the officer has to allow you to see his ID and call the police station to verify if he is a legitimate officer. If he is trying to pull you over and there is not a lit area, you also have the right to not stop until you are able to pull into a safe, well lit place just in case it is not a real cop. Be careful though, I wouldn't drive too far off or they may think you are trying to get away. And always follow your gut instinct!!!!
2007-02-17 12:38:48 · answer #1 · answered by Melissa S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, it would help to know what police officers in your city look like. It's surprisingly hard to find a costume that looks exactly like it. Look for a police cruiser, a horse, a helicopter even... anything. Also it's more likely that the cop in question is real if you see he/she has a partner near by.
Ask some tough and clever questions.
Example:What's you badge number? How long have you been on the force? What's your rank? Ever kill someone? Who's your CO (commanding officer)? What station are you based at?
Look for some equipment. A walkie talkie, a nightstick, a gun, peperspray or a taser, stuff like that. If you're really not convinced, ask him to get other officers to confirm he's real via the police officer's walkie talkie.
2007-02-17 20:42:43 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well if you did something wrong and a person with a costume come up to you and Say's you under arrest, your probably under arrest, as his costume will probably match that of the other costumed officers that will soon be present to make sure everything is O.K. with the first costumed officer.
If however you did nothing wrong, and someone approaches you and tells you you are under arrest, you are probably dealing with a impostor, as a real cop will be identified by his uniform, badge and MARKED police car, and will ask to question you about a specific instance, in most all cases a second car will respond with more officers for nothing else, the protection of the first officers.
If a non-uniformed officer approaches you, and flashes his badge, take it and examine it, if you don't feel comfortable with the situation, and are able to, call 911 or the local police and ask for assistance.
2007-02-17 20:52:49 · answer #3 · answered by silver lining 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Anyone can buy a uniform and trick you into believeing they are a police officer. Always check the badge for a number and if in doubt, tell him or her to call for another officer and why your concerned. I always told my wife to NEVER get out of the car at night when stopped unless ther was at least two officers present and only let the window down far enough to pass her licensce through. To many has been charged with rape and the others will just have to understand or follw her to the police station.
2007-02-17 20:41:03 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is what I would do:
Ask to see his officer ID car. I believe he is required to display it upon request and a real officer will show it. On the card, look for the name of the police department & his license/badge #. You may be able to jot it down and call or have somebody call in about it later. I'd also make a note of the car license IF you have any doubt. And of course, consider bringing along your cell phone and use it later, if possible.
I don't know if police are required to do this, but you could possibly ask for them to radio the department to verify they are actually with the police? And ask to phone a lawyer ... By law they must read you your Miranda rights.
You may be too intimidated to do any of these things, but if you honestly feel your life may be in jeopardy, what have you got to lose?
If it is any consolation, most who pose as police are found to be giving tickets and collecting money for "rolling stops" at signs, not for hauling people away. They just want a few dollars as they issue fake tickets.
If you can't do any of these things or feel powerless, then cross your fingers and pray like hell. :-)
2007-02-17 20:38:46 · answer #5 · answered by americansneedtowakeup 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First you should know what the police badges for your city look like, they will have a badge number and have the name of thier agency on them. The officer will have an police ID with him also.
If you have not done anything to be arrested for, that is a sign also.
2007-02-17 20:42:31 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would note what car he is driving and if he has all the proper equipment that a police officer should have. If he's just wearing a black button down shirt and black pants with a badge that looks plastic. Run!!!!!! (to the COPS soundtrack)
2007-02-17 20:37:06 · answer #7 · answered by ReelTru 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
EVERY law enforcement officer MUST carry a badge AND identification from the agency that they work for. A badge alone does'nt make an officer.
2007-02-17 22:44:13 · answer #8 · answered by I-Like-Chicha&Ceviche 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Politely ask the police officer to show you his ID. He should have an ID that shows he is a police officer and also a badge.
Hope this helps :-)
2007-02-17 20:36:42 · answer #9 · answered by Debbie S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
observe his car. If it is unmarked then that is a sign he is fake. He also should have a radio on him. If you hear other police then he is probably ok. Just trust your instincts. Or just run away and the real police will catch you safely!
2007-02-17 20:36:03 · answer #10 · answered by brandontremain 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋