Are you allowed to ask an officer for his identification?

Question

A cousin of my friend was actually involved in some kind of 'fake cop' incident back east.

The guy was wearing clothing that somewhat resembled that of the local police, drove a crown vic, but with no siren or lights...just had some kind of red light on the dash, so she figured he was undercover or an unmarked car and pulled over.

I guess the guy turned out to be a phony, and got scared off when a real police officer drove by.

If you think someone isn't a genuine police officer, are you allowed to ask him for his identification? Like, badge number and such? Or will that just piss the cop off?

Answer 1

You are allowed to ask. You can also call 911 if you are unsure if you are being stopped by a real cop. Sadly, a lot of women get raped by fake cops nationwide.

Answer 2

They can ask for ID at any time they want, but there are only certain times depending on your state law on when you are required to give them your information. In every state, the police are required to have reasonable suspicion in order to even detain you. In states with a stop-and-ID statute in place, you would be required to ID yourself (does not need to be physical - you can simply state your name and address) once you are detained. Ask if you are being detained. If the answer is yes, go with your state law. If no, walk away. But get a definite answer first. In the case you presented, they are suspecting someone of breaking the law by smoking while underage. Because of this, they can detain you while they investigate the potential violation. Because this would certainly fall under reasonable suspicion, you would have to give your information in those stop-and-ID states. In states without that statute, you wouldn't have to present identification, but they can hold you until they determine if you are breaking the law.

Answer 3

Sure you can ask us for ID. The question is would you know what a police ID even looks like?

I know what mine looks like, and what a few other departments look like, but every PDs are different.

Our names and badge numbers are on our uniforms.

As for pissing us off...I would prefer to be pissed off, rather than have someone victimised by a fake cop. That said, there's a respectful way and an unrespectful way of asking. For instance I once pulled a female over late at night, Her first statement was "You don't look like a real cop, I bet you just want to rape me!" You can imagine that once she was convinced I was a real cop, she didn't get any breaks from me.

Answer 4

You have the right to request that officer to positively identify himself as being what he is dressed as.

As you stated, a lot of people who aren't cops can get fake uniforms and badges, or even steal them.

ASK TO SEE CREDENTIALS WHENEVER YOU ARE IN DOUBT!!! If they aren't carrying credentials, even if they do have credentials issued to them and are a real police officer, they can't do squat to you. Those credentials are more important than the badge and uniform.

If you are being pulled over in an unlit, dark area, you should, if possible, continue at a slow, safe speed, with your emergency flashers on, to an area that is well lit and preferrably busy with people (witnesses). Keep your hands visible (on the steering wheel or dashboard) and dome light on. Have the windows down low enough that the officer can see into the car, but up high enough that you can't be pulled out through them, or so that nobody can jump into the car through them. Have your doors locked.

Then, POLITELY ask the officer to show you his or her credentials, adding your concern about fake cops.

If you are only doing it to give the officer a hard time, you may miss your opportunity to get out of a ticket, as the officer will see through you, but you have the right to ask that he properly identify himself, and he is OBLIGATED to do so. Screw him if he gets pissed off.

El Chistoso

Answer 5

You are definately allowed to ask for ID.
I'm not saying it won't irritate the police- they usually don't carry an ID card in their pocket (especially if they are in uniform).

My advice is that if the officer is in a marked car with a uniform on- hes almost certainly legit and there is no reason to ask for ID (unless you REALLY want to).

But, if the police officer is in an unmarked car or in plain clothes, you absolutely may ask in a polite manner. They will almost always have thier ID handy since they are out of uniform.

Answer 6

Yes, you are absolutely allowed to ask to see identification. And if you really doubt the cop, you can ask that he call for another car to come too.

Granted, if he is legit it will piss him off and you could end up with a long night ahead of you, but I would rather be safe than sorry.

Answer 7

Our policy states that we are required to have our ID card at all times...that being said, ask for employee number, badge number and id card if in plain clothes or in uniform...shouldn't be a big deal unless you are acting like a mope and are giving attitude.

Answer 8

I 'm walking in an alley (oh, the good ol' days) and this guy pulls up real fast and gets out of his car and identifies himself as the police. He tells me to get against the wall. He goes through my pockets and tells me to stay there. He quickly gets into his car and drives off.

The son-of-a-b*tch stole my we*d and my money!!! As*hole!!!

I'm sober today so I shouldn't have that problem too much, now...

Does anybody have the feeling that we are being watched?

Exit, stage left...

Answer 9

Yes, and don't just ask for a badge number ask to see identification particularly if they aren't in uniform or driving a police car.

Answer 10

we had a scam like that in ohio not long ago and yes you can ask to see there badge and district id card if they refuse to show you then ask them to call another car