Are you prepared if you are ever pulled over by somebody who promises to be a cop, but really is not? It's a scary scenario. Here are a few common-sense recommendations for dealing with phony Highway Patrol officers.
Know if it is deceptive
First of all, you'll need to pay attention to the automobile the allegedly fraudulent Highway Patrol is driving. In the U.S., that usually means one of the following vehicles: Ford Crown Victoria sedan; Chevy Impala, Malibu or Lumina sedans; unmarked Camaro Z28s; Chevy Tahoe SUV; or Dodge Charger.
There are ways for a fraudulent cop to have a car that looks exactly like this. There are police supply stores that you can use to dress up a vehicle, from fake uniforms to phony IDs. There are also decommissioned former police automobiles that customers can purchase.
Look at your situation
When you see the lights of an alleged Highway Patrol car in your rear view mirror, start thinking. Have you done anything that could cause you to be stopped? If you are female, driving by yourself in the middle of nowhere, have not broken any laws, know your vehicle is in good shape and are certain you've been driving within 5 mph of the posted speed limit, be careful.
Try to pull over only in a well-lit, public place where other people are around, such as a shopping mall. If this isn't possible, you need to pull over and keep your doors locked and window cracked just enough to hear and pass your driver's license and other documents. Particularly if the intended Highway Patrol official is not in uniform, ask to see his or her credentials. If the official refuses, ask him to call another official to the scene - you are within your right to do so. It may irritate the officer, but that's a small price to pay if it saves your life. A legitimate officer will make the call.
How to deal with fake police No. 3 - Have an escape plan
Make sure you are ready to quickly leave if the officer seems to ignore every little thing you say. Tell the official you will follow him to the nearest police station in case you are uncomfortable, and call 911 if he objects to that too. Stay on the line, and he will either be identified by the operator or he will leave or make an effort to get you. This will help you realize if he is a fake or not.
If it's the latter, lay rubber and get out of there fast for a secure public location, being sure to give the 911 operator as much info on the phony officer so that he can be tracked down.
Know if it is deceptive
First of all, you'll need to pay attention to the automobile the allegedly fraudulent Highway Patrol is driving. In the U.S., that usually means one of the following vehicles: Ford Crown Victoria sedan; Chevy Impala, Malibu or Lumina sedans; unmarked Camaro Z28s; Chevy Tahoe SUV; or Dodge Charger.
There are ways for a fraudulent cop to have a car that looks exactly like this. There are police supply stores that you can use to dress up a vehicle, from fake uniforms to phony IDs. There are also decommissioned former police automobiles that customers can purchase.
Look at your situation
When you see the lights of an alleged Highway Patrol car in your rear view mirror, start thinking. Have you done anything that could cause you to be stopped? If you are female, driving by yourself in the middle of nowhere, have not broken any laws, know your vehicle is in good shape and are certain you've been driving within 5 mph of the posted speed limit, be careful.
Try to pull over only in a well-lit, public place where other people are around, such as a shopping mall. If this isn't possible, you need to pull over and keep your doors locked and window cracked just enough to hear and pass your driver's license and other documents. Particularly if the intended Highway Patrol official is not in uniform, ask to see his or her credentials. If the official refuses, ask him to call another official to the scene - you are within your right to do so. It may irritate the officer, but that's a small price to pay if it saves your life. A legitimate officer will make the call.
How to deal with fake police No. 3 - Have an escape plan
Make sure you are ready to quickly leave if the officer seems to ignore every little thing you say. Tell the official you will follow him to the nearest police station in case you are uncomfortable, and call 911 if he objects to that too. Stay on the line, and he will either be identified by the operator or he will leave or make an effort to get you. This will help you realize if he is a fake or not.
If it's the latter, lay rubber and get out of there fast for a secure public location, being sure to give the 911 operator as much info on the phony officer so that he can be tracked down.
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