5 tips to protect yourself from falling victim to a Police Impersonator

By Chellie Cervone - Posted: Dec 6, 2012 at 2:21 pm

This is a real Seattle Police Officer. The officer that attempts to pull you over or come into your home, might be a police impersonator. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

5 tips to protect yourself from falling victim to a Police Impersonator

Incidences of police impersonators are on the rise. Cities across American are seeing more and more of these crimes. Don’t fall victim to a Police Impersonator. Protect yourself using the 5 tips to protect yourself from falling victim to a Police Impersonator.

Many times Police impersonators can be difficult to spot. It’s unbelievably easy to obtain badges, flashing lights, uniforms that are real or look real and even police cars.

Las Vegas has seen it’s share of police impersonators. Although some of the crimes they commit may seem innocuous, there is the very real possibility that their behavior will escalate placing you in very real danger.

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Here are some way that you can protect yourself?

5 tips to protect yourself from falling victim to a Police Impersonator

1.) Use caution when being pulled over.

If you are pulled over by an unmarked car or even a marked car on an isolated road, slow your vehicle down, put on your flashers and continuing to drive at a slow pace to a more populated location such as a busy well-lighted store parking lot or even a casino valet area.

Las Vegas Metro Police, for example, in the past, have said they their officers understand these measures.

2.) Call someone right away when being pulled over

Use your cell phone to contact someone you know and trust after you are stopped and before you open your window or door.

This step should be a given for a female traveling alone any time of day, especially if you do decide to stop after being pulled over in a remote location.

If you do not have a hands free/voice activated device, you run the risk of getting a ticket however if explained to a judge, it would appear that the explanation provided would be reasonable.

3.) Call 311 to verify that a legitimate officer is pulling you over

This is the non emergency number that is available in most cities. If it is not available call 911.

The operator can verify whether the person pulling you over is indeed an officer and send back-up as needed. Also, this will provide a record of your call and might be a good step to at any time of day if you are pulled over while traveling alone.

4.) Never open you car door or door to your home to anyone you do not know, even a “supposed” Police Officer

Call 311 or 911 to verify that the officer outside of your door is truly an officer of the law and supposed to be there.

Women have been raped in their own homes by police impersonators. If the officer outside your door is legitimate, the police department will understand that you called to verify for your own safety.

5.) If an “officer” flashes a badge at you in a public place and tells you that you need to go with him, don’t go

This is a common ruse to get you in a remote area.

Stay where you are in a public place, whip out your cell and ask the officer for his name and call 911. He should run off.

If he grabs your arm to try to steer you away from the public place you are at, start screaming that you do not know him and yell for nearby people to call 911. Fight!

No legitimate officer will try to get you outside and isolated.

It is up to your protect yourself and arm yourself with information.

These 5 tips to protect yourself from falling victim to a Police Impersonator can literally help save your life!