By Dr. Richard Weinblatt, The Cop Doc
In Orlando, FL, Motorcross champ James Mark Stewart was arrested for trying to pull over off-duty Florida Highway Patrol troopers and an off-duty Osceola County sheriff's deputy.
In Randolph, MA,- A man was nabbed for impersonating a police officer. In addition to the uniform, he had an SUV with emergency lights, antennas, and a radio. Even more disturbing were the handcuffs, duct tape, and machete also found in the vehicle.
In Chula Vista, CA- A man is in police custody after he stopped multiple women using a black and white Ford Crown Victoria with a siren and green, yellow, and red emergency lights.
Upper Chichester, PA- Police in the Philadelphia area are looking for a man who did a traffic stop using a black Ford Crown Victoria with red and blue dash lights. The occupants were robbed at gunpoint.
With the spate of recent police impersonation incidents in the news involving traffic stops across the country, many are wondering what they can do to keep themselves safe. They ask themselves upon seeing the flashing lights in the reear view mirror: "Is this the real deal?"
Far from isolated incidents, the dangerous traffic stops have plagued the real cops and the public for many years.
Law enforcement officials want to be sure that people obey legitimate crime fighters, but not put themselves in harm's way when commanded to stop by the fake fuzz. Here are some tips that will help to minimize the chances of a bad outcome during a motor vehicle stop.
Tips
1) Observe. Take a good look behind you, especially if you are both turning a corner. If the flashing lights match those that you know are used by the local crime fighters, than you may feel more comfortable with stopping. Some agencies use all blue, some red and blue, some only red, while others may have some other color combination. If your local constabulary uses only blue and you see someone trying to stop with you green strobe lights, that could be a clue that they may not be for real. In the Chula Vista example cited in this article, the real police use red and blue lights and not the green, yellow, and red used by the faker.
When you turn the corner, can you see identifiable markings on the side of the car in your rear view mirror. While unmarked units can conduct traffic stops in many jurisdictions, some departments require that they be conducted only by marked cars.
2) Signal. Let the officer know that you realize that they are attempting to make the traffic stop. Many officers get nervous when cars do not stop when signalled to do so. They fear that the person may be getting or hiding a gun, getting rid of drugs or other evidence, or just thinking of what their next move should be. Put on your hazard lights and, if it's dark, put on your interior dome light so the officer behind you can see that you are not making those dreaded "furtive movements" for a gun.
3) Call. Pick up your cell phone and call 911. Almost all police officers, deputy sheriffs, and state troopers are required to call their communications center on the radio when conducting a traffic stop.
While officers get concerned if you fail to stop right away, both their radio transmissions and your call to 911 are recorded and can show that you were wanting to stop in good faith. You may be able to demonstrate that you were seeking verification before doing so. This is particularly understandable to the authorities if you are a woman travelling alone on that lonely highway late at night. However, that won't work if you take an prolonged period of time to do so.
When talking to the 911 operator, give your location, your name, and vehicle description. Ask if a law enforcement officer is known to be stopping a car matching your information. They may have to transfer you to another call center if the area does not use a consolidated dispatch concept.
4) Drive. Head to a well-lit, populated area such as a mall parking lot or 24 hour gas station. Heading to the local police sub-station does not always work late at night as many rural facilities are not manned after business hours.
5) Ask. In a very respectful manner, ask the law enforcer that approaches your car door for identification. In addition to the badge, all officials have a photo ID card that clearly identifies them and the agency from which they derive their authority. When in doubt, politely explain your concerns and ask for a supervisor.
Of course, while they are at the car, always make sure that your hands are visible to them and placed on the steering wheel.
If you do come in contact with a poser cop, note all of the vehicle and individual identifying characteristics you can and write it down. Contact your local police officials to report the incident
Nobody despises police impersonators more than the real deal law enforcement officers. The pretend police make it dangerous for the public and for the crime fighters. These safety tips should help you to fake out the fakes.
About the writer: Dr. Richard Weinblatt, "The Cop Doc," is a police expert, writer, and speaker who has served in a range of full-time and reserve law enforcement posts including auxiliary police lieutenant in New Jersey, patrol deputy sheriff in New Mexico, and police chief in North Carolina. Additionally, he has taught and overseen college criminal justice & police academies in Florida and Ohio. Since 1989, Dr. Weinblatt has written articles for PoliceOne.com, PoliceLink.com and others. He has commented on police issues for local and national media outlets such as AP, CBS, CNN, HLN, MSNBC, and The Washington Post. The host of "The Cop Doc Radio Show.", Dr. Weinblatt may be reached via his website: www.TheCopDoc.com
Comments