Spot a FAKE Police Officer BEFORE It’s Too Late!
(ModernSurvival.org) – There seems to be no low criminals won’t sink to in order to take advantage of an unwary victim. This includes impersonating a police officer to use the power and authority they have over others. The threat of being arrested is enough to put anyone on edge, and make them more compliant.
Crafty criminals will dress up as law enforcement officers to pull off any number of crimes, from breaking and entering to kidnapping, rape, and murder. That’s why it’s necessary to learn how to spot a fake police officer before it is too late.
Observation
The easiest way to spot a fake police officer is to observe how law enforcement officers in the local area dress. Pay special attention to their uniforms and vehicles. If an officer is approaching you who doesn’t fit the bill of local units, it’s a good indicator that something is wrong.
Here are a few other tips on what to look for:
- Is the person clean-shaven? Is the uniform neat and pressed? Police generally have strict rules regarding appearance, and any variation from that could be a sign of an imposter.
- Look for a badge, name tag, and service badges. These will be metal, and easily identifiable.
- Check the utility belt. Every officer will carry a radio, a flashlight, a gun, handcuffs, a taser, and pepper spray. The belt itself will be leather. A lot of this gear is easy to obtain online, so seeing it isn’t a guarantee that someone carrying it is a real officer.
- Identify the squad car. If it looks like an older model or in poor condition, it’s likely a fake. Also, squad cars have reflective decals on the sides and hoods which identify them as police vehicles. If possible, check the license plate, as police vehicles have specialized plates.
Take Action
If the officer in question is suspected of being an imposter, call 911. The dispatcher will be able to verify the presence of a real officer on the scene or dispatch one to apprehend the imposter. Inform the officer that you have called the police to verify his or her identity. If they’re a real officer, this shouldn’t cause any problems. If they aren’t, they’ll likely flee as impersonating an officer is illegal.
In a world where sinister people seem to be laying in wait around every corner, one cannot be over-prepared. Learning how to spot a bad situation before it becomes a dangerous one can save a life, even yours. For more information on how to avoid imposters trying to do you harm, check out our article here.
~Here’s to Your Survival!
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