I have seen a couple questions about what to do if you're not sure it is actually a cop trying to pull you over. The advice that has been given has all made sense ie. letting the person know you are aware of their presence, putting on flashers, driving to a populated area, etc. How would this play out in a rural area where it could easily be 10, 20, or 30+ miles to a populated area? Surely even the most reasonable cop is going to get frustrated playing follow the leader for an extended period of time. Would you, as an officer, remain calm knowing that the driver was just heading for safety, or would there be a time/distance limit to your courtesy? Thanks.
2007-12-28 07:12:19 · 9 answers · asked by kevin r 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
trooper: that's a fair point, hadn't considered that.
2007-12-28 07:37:52 · update #1
schlafend: I'm remembering driving through Montana and how there were times I didn't see another car let alone gas station for half an hour or more
2007-12-28 07:42:07 · update #2
OrygunDuck: I agree if the car was painted, fully decked out, etc., it's a no-brainer to pull over. I'm thinking more in terms of either unmarked, or what appears to be a patrol car but without lights on top.
2007-12-28 07:45:39 · update #3
The best thing would be to acknowledge their presence just like you said. If in a rural area, take note of where you are ans if you have a cell phone dial 911. This will get you the closest law enforcement agency to you. You can then let the dispatcher know of your situation and they can tell you if they have an officer, deputy, or trooper that is actually in your area. If it turns out the person pulling you over is NOT a cop, then the dispatcher can dispatch help to you also.
2007-12-29 08:00:02 · answer #1 · answered by ~Alicia~ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should follow the same precautions. If you have a cell phone (or "On Star"), call "911" and have them check with the Sheriff's Office or State Patrol. Don't speed - if it is a Police Officer, you could be charged with evading. Most patrol vehicles will have flashing lights "mounted" inside the front and rear windows, with flashing headlights, and flashers installed in the grill. They also have a siren. A pretender would most likely not have all of that equipment. A Police Officer would follow you a long ways if you're not speeding, or call for a back-up if he thought you were acting suspicious or evading. Still look for a well-lighted area or public area with people, especially at night.
Obviously, if the patrol vehicle has painted identification, you should pull over - the Officer would more than likely "display" his vehicle to you by pulling along side and sounding the siren. The unmarked vehicle is where you should take the most precaution.
2007-12-28 15:40:58 · answer #2 · answered by OrygunDuk 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you were to calculate the chance of getting pulled over by a police impersonator, it would be the equivalent of being struck by lightning. It simply does not happen that often.
The distance to safety would not be a factor, an officer has to recognize your concern, if reasonable.
I personally would not recommend driving 30 miles from civilization without a cellular phone. The chances of you breaking down are much more likely than being pulled over, and the danger of breaking down is worse.
2007-12-28 15:33:03 · answer #3 · answered by trooper3316 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Where do you live that you would not run up on a convenience store? As a former cop, I would not have given you 5 miles. Most agencies will have a uniform car pull you instead of an unmarked slick top. Keep the windows up until he/she identifies themselves as the real police. Most understand your concern.
2007-12-28 15:36:37 · answer #4 · answered by No Black Box 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Good question...LAPD has a plain patrol car...has no markings or anything outside that would indicate that's it a cop car. I've seen it here in van nuys when they pulled someone over. It does have a flashing red light inside, both officers were in full uniform.
2007-12-28 16:52:44 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Always have a cell phone. Most cell phones will make a 911 call no matter if it has minutes or not. Dial 911 advise them where you are at and ask if a cop is in that area.
2007-12-29 05:30:28 · answer #6 · answered by defendant 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can call the police and tell them there is a cop trying to pull you over and you want to make sure it is legit. cops call it in when they are pulling someone over, so there will be record of it. and if it is legit, the operator will be able to contact the cop so they know you arent trying to evade, and if it isnt legit, then they will have cops on the way to save you.
2007-12-28 15:49:40 · answer #7 · answered by mickey g 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a crime not to pull over for the police when they turn their overhead lights on.
If you are sure enough that it is not a real officer that you are ready and willing to risk going to jail over your response, then go ahead.
I'd rather go to jail than get killed by an impersonator, but it is EXTREMELY rare.
2007-12-28 15:17:12 · answer #8 · answered by Citicop 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Stop being a baby and pull over and deal with it!!!
2007-12-28 15:39:46 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋