I've seen and heard about these undercover police on the freeway. I've seen these normal looking cars suddenly turn on a miniature siren and pull people over and probably cited them.
My question is, are these undercover cops really allowed to just catch people on the highways for small offenses such as speeding, red lights, duis. I assumed that if you are on duty as a police officer, you can't disguise yourself to trick people.
and what is the real purpose of undercover cops in the first place?
2007-09-16 00:46:05 · 12 answers · asked by Potato Monster 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Thanks for the correction for unmarked cars instead of undercover police. I just don't see how they can legally do that, because this is a confusion to the public whether or not they are actually police. anyone can purchase an siren and be able to pull people over and perhaps be a threat.
2007-09-16 01:28:36 · update #1
Yep - unmarked cars can pull you over for speeding. That's why so many departments purchase them. The speed limit sign does not say "70 mph only when marked police cars are present".
Sorry - even hunters get to wear camouflage when hunting deer.
2007-09-16 02:33:52 · answer #1 · answered by Boots 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Some states have laws that say the police must be visible from so many feet away if they are running radar or the like. Some allow them to completely hide. Any sworn officer can pull you over, but a truly undercover cop probably wouldn't make a traffic stop if it meant possibly blowing his cover. An unmarked car, can pull you over, but they usually are supervisors or detectives and most likely wouldn't be manning a roadblock. Only word of caution, if you are pulled over by an unmarked car, it is perfectly acceptable to leave your window up and doors locked until you see a badge. If in doubt, call the local police and ask for verification of the badge number before you open your window.
2007-09-16 02:32:22 · answer #2 · answered by .. .this can't be good 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They are not undercover cops...they are cops in unmarked vehicles.
Police often use unmarked vehicles as part of their enforcement strategy.
An undercover cop is a cop who doesn't reveal to you that they are a cop, such as when they go on the Internet looking for men who are trying to pick up children.
2007-09-16 01:22:24 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the state laws. In California, the car must have some sort of markings, in Hawaii, the officer can use an unmarked car, but must be in uniform. In other states this may not apply.
2007-09-16 03:41:40 · answer #4 · answered by joseph b 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
BE careful. It should be ILLEGAL for undercover cars to pull you over. Just as it should be illegal for police to wear black terrorist like masks (looking like russian police). Undercovers should trail you, and call in for a marked police car to do the actual pull over.
I would wait for a true police officer in a marked police car to join, unless you feel safe.
I have seen undercover police having pulled someone over, but their cars looked the same as civilian, and the lights could have been purchased anywhere.
It is not uncommon for people to impersonate police in this manner, be espescially weary if you are a woman and the roads are empty or it is very light traffic.
2007-09-16 01:14:58 · answer #5 · answered by vote_usa_first 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
They are police officers in uniform but some officers like supervisors have unmarked cars which have dash/deck lights and sometimes even more places,and yes they do often do sit on the highway running radar and then catch you.
The purpose of these officers are to catch speeders.
2007-09-16 01:10:39 · answer #6 · answered by alex m 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
you'd have to check the local laws, but generally speaking...yes they can. Police must identify themselves (generally) and provide identification if requested. They also have to have "probable cause". Your porch is outside, so is considered to be a public area and doesn't require a search warrant. If there are people drinking, and some people look under 21, then they've met "probable cause".
2016-05-20 23:50:33 · answer #7 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes they are allowed because they are licensed police officers.undercover officers do not enforce the petty crimes you mentioned. that is for the uniformed officer.
who told you that a officer can not disguise himself because you are blatantly wrong.undercover officer work crimes that a uniform officer would never be able to get close to. a uniform would never be able to go inside a drug house and buy drugs. they have undercover officers for that.they are used for crimes when they do not know that the person is a officer.
----retired texas deputy sheriff----
2007-09-16 20:12:03 · answer #8 · answered by charlsyeh 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Those kind of things can only happen in the US. They are doing this because they have nothing better to do and in order to justify their paychecks. Furthermore by issuing citations to people those bullies collect revenues for their local governments. What a country!
2007-09-16 01:16:34 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Yes. The purpose is to thwart truckers who warn everyone when they see marked police cars hiding behind bridge piers.
2007-09-16 01:06:48 · answer #10 · answered by regerugged 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋