I was coming home from a costume party a month ago, and was dressed as a sexy policewoman. I wasn't even thinking about it, and went into a local coffee shop. When I went to pay they said "Oh no, it's on the house." It didn't even occur to me til I was driving away, that they assumed I was a real cop, and gave me free coffee. I went back 2 days later, ordered, and they gave me my meal free! So I've been back about 5 times, each time my stuff is free. Am I going to get in trouble for this? Does this count as impersonating an officer?
2007-09-20 17:44:03 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Tecnically yes, but who cares, it is not like you meant to do it, or maybe they(he/she) likes you.
Blessed Be.
2007-09-20 17:49:55 · answer #1 · answered by Zero Cool 3 · 0⤊ 5⤋
OK... if you say so... seems to me that the folks in the coffee shop are pretty naive if this is the case.
You ask two questions... my answers:
No, you are not going to get in trouble for this.
No, this does not count as impersonating a police officer.
A police officer has specific public duties and authority. As long as you never pretended to exercise any of those public duties or authority, and only were dressed up in a costume once (indicating it was an isolated instance that you might have looked like a cop), then you did not impoersonate an officer of the law. In this case, nothing you have done is punishable.
Secondly, police officers are specifically prohibited from accepting gifts... sure it happens all the time, but it is still unlawful. If someone offers an officer a gift just to be friendly, that is one thing, but it can also be construed as a bribe if they expect some sort of preferential treatment. For this reason, gifts of this nature (even free coffee or meals) are not allowed. Now, if a real police officer accepted free gifts, then he could get in trouble. But since you are not a police officer, you aren't prohibited. That is called irony!
If you want it to stop, just insist on paying. If you want to make a point, ask why they don't want you to pay. If they say because they think you are a cop, then just tell them that offering gifts to a police officer is actually illegal--that should be enough to get them to stop refusing payment. Or, if they say they want to give you freebies because you're a cop, you could tell them the truth... in that case, it might be a little uncomfortable for both parties... but they really can't demand you pay them for things they gave to you, and what would they going to tell the police? That they tried to give you freebies because they thought you were an officer?? Although milder, that's would be similar to a drug user calling the cops because a dealer sold him "cocaine" that was really powdered sugar.
Don't worry about it, but to be honest, you should insist on paying.
2007-09-21 01:29:57 · answer #2 · answered by nsheedy 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Why don't you just ask them?
"Hey thanks so much for all the free stuff! That's super nice of you. I was wondering though why you felt like you needed to do that for me? I'm perfectly willing to pay."
If they say they thought you were a cop then tell them the truth. If it is for another reason then there is no need to feel guilty because you chose to do the right thing and make sure they knew the truth.
I am a little curious as to why you keep going back. Obviously you like free stuff (who doesn't?)... However it obviously doesn't concern you too much if they think you are a cop because you keep going back and accepting free food though without setting it straight.
2007-09-21 00:59:40 · answer #3 · answered by Ashley P 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Right. All the cops in the town wear I live wear sexy costumes. In fact I'm pretty sure they buy their uniforms at Fredrick's. Besides, everyone goes to costume parties in July/August.
Leave Y!A for those who have REAL questions.
2007-09-21 01:34:46 · answer #4 · answered by 1M9 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Accepting a number of their compliments thinking you're a cop and failed to tell them you're not means you're impersonating. Once they finds out, you're in deep trouble.
You have three options: 1)Make one step ahead, tell them now rather than they will learn first. It will mean your honesty, a mitigating circumstance than would lessen their anger in case. The other way around would be a disgrace.
2) Apply in the Police force now before its too late!
3) Change your location. Go to a far distance where they won't even see a little of your shadow!
2007-09-21 01:07:41 · answer #5 · answered by dalton 4 · 1⤊ 3⤋
I call BS.
No one in their right mind ever confused a "sexy policewoman" costume as a real cop.
2007-09-21 00:54:06 · answer #6 · answered by Citicop 7 · 7⤊ 1⤋
You are technically impersonating a cop. These people will get wise before long..
2007-09-21 01:43:31 · answer #7 · answered by jeremybradley2562 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Sexy Police Woman? That's retical.
2007-09-21 01:11:52 · answer #8 · answered by Flying Soldier 6 · 1⤊ 3⤋
next time you go there and try to pay, and they say no,.....ask why they wont take the money, if they say you are a cop, say oh you must be talking about my twin sister,.....she is a cop, not me, then pay for the meal,.....
2007-09-21 05:24:55 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Unless you identify yourself as a police officer then the only crime commited is "being a retard in a no retard zone" on the part of the clerk.
2007-09-21 01:18:54 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
I doubt this would classify as illegal, but I find it highly unethical. Best for you to explain things, and offer to pay for what you've had for free. They probably won't ask for $$, but it's the respectable thing to do.
2007-09-21 00:56:48 · answer #11 · answered by SigGirl 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋