Beware of Police Impersonators
The Denver Police are warning motorists to watch out for police impersonators. That's good to know, but if a man in a white car has a badge and motions you to pull over, how do you know he's an impersonator? What if it's the real thing and you end up in a police chase because you refuse to stop? Fortunately, the DPD has a press release today with instructions:
Motorists are once again reminded to drive with their doors locked and if they are pulled over and they do not believe that it is a legitimate officer they should not hesitate to call 911. Feel free to motion to the (possible) officer to acknowledge the fact that you do see them, and continue to an occupied business such as gas station, 7-11 etc. In addition, you do not need to roll your windows down completely until you are certain that anyone approaching your vehicle is truly a police officer. Ask to see a police I.D in addition to just seeing a badge, these can be purchased anywhere. A true officer will not be offended, especially if they are in an unmarked car, and without a full uniform.
Comments
Submitted by Fake Cop, Real Story, Really Scary « Me and the Blue S (not verified) on Sun, 2009-04-19 12:12.
[...] for more reading about what to do if you suspect the officer stopping you is not a real officer, go here or [...]
Submitted by kathleen horsnell (not verified) on Thu, 2006-08-17 09:16.
On august 15, 2006, I was attempting to turn left off highway U.S.1 in Ormond Beacg, Fl.
Blue lights came on behind me and it seemed an officer was pulling me over, for what i had no idea. I wasn't speeding, nor was I driving eratically. I stopped in the turn lane and was instructed to pull into a conveince store parking lot. There are no street lights in the lot, only what lights were turned on in the store. The officer got out of the vehicle and came to the passenger side of my car banged on the glass or side of my car telling me to open the passenger door. I immediatly started feeling something wasn't right about this. I refused to open the door and the officer became aggrevated and ordering to open the door now. I in the men time was gettting my license, insurance, and registration together to give to him all the while refusing to open the door. I got everthing together and immediately stuck both hands out my driver side window. I told the officer several times what was doing was highly unusual and I was afraid he was not a real officer by his actions and requested his supervisor come there. He finally, came around the car and grabbed my hands, open driver side door, asked me to step out of the car, still holding on to me and put me under arrest for DUI, probable cause, my tag light could not be seen from 50 ft away. I'm going to fight all charges against me.
Submitted by Barb Heithoff (not verified) on Thu, 2006-04-20 09:52.
Responding to your instructions on Feb.2006 on what to do when stopped by a suspicious officer. I was pulled over 9 months ago at 1:30 AM on a dark road in South Dakota. I drove an extra mile to a well lit intersection. I was hesitant to get out of my car because the officer was not driving a car but an SUV. He was gruff in his manner and I felt unsure about why he stopped me. I told him by husband was a mile up the road and wanted to call him to let him know where I was. He did not want me to call my husband but I did anyway. The long /short of this story is now I have to go to court for eluding a police officer. A serious crime I did not commit. I was wondering if you might have any information on the Lacy Miller case /law that is being proposed to the lawmakers. Thank you for any information that will help my case.
Barb Heithoff
