When the Cop Who Stops You Isn't For Real
A woman in suburban Chicago was stopped by what she thought was an unmarked squad car earlier this week but, instead of being ticketed for an infraction, the "officer" robbed her.
She's actually very lucky that all she lost was her purse (and peace of mind). Police impersonators can be a deadly threat. The problem is . . . we've always been taught to "pull to the right and stop" for flashing lights in our rear view mirror.
There's no question: you must stop for the police, whether they are in a marked or unmarked car. Don't ever try to speed away. If you are worried about being victimized by an impersonator, follow these steps.
Always know your location. You'd be surprised how many people are clueless about their surroundings.
If the lights come on behind you, call 9-1-1. Tell the dispatcher that there is a car trying to pull you over and you're not sure they are the real police.
Provide your exact location including the name of the town. The town name is important because mobile 9-1-1 calls are not always routed to the nearest police jurisdiction. The dispatcher you're talking to can transfer the call immediately but you must provide precise location information.
Put your hazard lights on and continue driving (slowly) to a well-lighted thoroughfare, busy parking lot or even the closest police station. Tell the 9-1-1 dispatcher what you're doing and that you are willing to pull over as soon as you verify the stop is legitimate.
Once you stop, if you are still concerned you're dealing with an impersonator, even if the officer is in uniform, keep your door locked, lower your window just enough to converse, and ask to see his or her official identification. Of course if several officers arrive, especially in multiple cars, you can be assured you're safe.
If you act reasonably and comply with all of the officer's requests once you confirm the stop is legitimate, the fact you called 9-1-1 will provide a record that you were willing to comply with the law but that you were attempting to do so safely.
She's actually very lucky that all she lost was her purse (and peace of mind). Police impersonators can be a deadly threat. The problem is . . . we've always been taught to "pull to the right and stop" for flashing lights in our rear view mirror.
There's no question: you must stop for the police, whether they are in a marked or unmarked car. Don't ever try to speed away. If you are worried about being victimized by an impersonator, follow these steps.
Always know your location. You'd be surprised how many people are clueless about their surroundings.
If the lights come on behind you, call 9-1-1. Tell the dispatcher that there is a car trying to pull you over and you're not sure they are the real police.
Provide your exact location including the name of the town. The town name is important because mobile 9-1-1 calls are not always routed to the nearest police jurisdiction. The dispatcher you're talking to can transfer the call immediately but you must provide precise location information.
Put your hazard lights on and continue driving (slowly) to a well-lighted thoroughfare, busy parking lot or even the closest police station. Tell the 9-1-1 dispatcher what you're doing and that you are willing to pull over as soon as you verify the stop is legitimate.
Once you stop, if you are still concerned you're dealing with an impersonator, even if the officer is in uniform, keep your door locked, lower your window just enough to converse, and ask to see his or her official identification. Of course if several officers arrive, especially in multiple cars, you can be assured you're safe.
If you act reasonably and comply with all of the officer's requests once you confirm the stop is legitimate, the fact you called 9-1-1 will provide a record that you were willing to comply with the law but that you were attempting to do so safely.
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